Baltic Sea storm surge: Millions in funding for the reconstruction of the Damp marina
YACHT-Redaktion
· 10.06.2025
With water levels more than two metres above the mean sea level, the Baltic storm surge in October 2023 caused massive damage. The destruction is still clearly visible in Damp today. "We currently have 110 berths in emergency operation," says Mayor Barbara Feyock. Before the storm surge, there were 365. The effects were devastating: "32 boats sank alone." Many boats also landed on the jetties and caused massive damage of their own.
Millions in funding for reconstruction
The state of Schleswig-Holstein is now responding to the situation with extensive funding. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the reconstruction of the harbour is being supported with 17.9 million euros. That is around two thirds of the total volume of 23.9 million euros. The municipality of Damp submitted a corresponding application for aid to the state in October 2024. The funding decision not only covers pure reconstruction, but also provides for structural changes to make the harbour more resistant to future storm surges. A central element of this is the construction of an additional pier on the south side of the harbour.
Long-term planning and challenges
Despite the promised funding, work cannot begin immediately. Mayor Feyock explains that the reconstruction work must first be put out to tender across Europe. A necessary step that takes time. The municipality hopes that the work will be completed by the end of 2027. This long timescale emphasises the scope and complexity of the project. State Secretary for Economic Affairs and Tourism Julia Carstens (CDU) emphasises the importance of the funding for the region: "With the almost 18 million euros, we are enabling the municipality to restore a good image." She sees the record funding as an opportunity for the region to not only return to its previous tourist appeal, but to even surpass it.
Improvements for tourism and weather resistance
The plans for the reconstruction go beyond mere restoration. The existing northern pier will not only be rebuilt and relocated, but a small pier will also be built to the south. "This will not only make the harbour more attractive for visitors, but also more weatherproof," explains Carstens. The aim of these measures is to better protect the harbour and the surrounding region against future storms and at the same time make it more attractive to tourists. As a Baltic Sea spa and image-defining holiday resort, Damp plays an important role in Schleswig-Holstein's tourism landscape. The funding is intended to help ensure that water sports, beach holidays and cycling and hiking trails along the coast can soon be used again without restriction. This will not only benefit traditional holidaymakers, but also the growing number of spa and rehabilitation guests in the region.
