‘Missunde III’ has failed: The state pulls the emergency brake and plans a fresh start

The saga surrounding the Schlei ferry “Missunde III” appears to be drawing to a close. Since it entered service at the end of April, there has been a string of breakdowns: the service between Brodersby and Missunde has been repeatedly suspended, with one repair following another. Costs are rising inexorably. It is now clear what will happen next.

​The Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Transport is sending the old cable ferry “Missunde II” to the shipyard. Once the summer season is over, it is due to resume ferry services, whilst the state begins planning for a new ferry. Until then, the problem-plagued “Missunde III” will remain in service.

“A ferry must run reliably”

​Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen (CDU) says:

"Above all, a ferry must do one thing: operate reliably. Despite all the repairs and improvements, the ‘Missunde III’ has not managed to do this so far. That is why we have decided that the ‘Missunde II’ will go into the shipyard and be prepared for service."

Madsen went on to say that planning for “a possible new ferry” had also begun.

An end to the Schlei ferry drama?​

This is intended to put an end to the frustration surrounding the troubled ferry project. “We don’t need a ferry that can do everything on paper, but one that runs reliably every day.” Most recently, a safety hook is said to have come loose on several occasions – a problem that ultimately brought operations to a standstill.

​The whole affair could have legal consequences for the engineering firm commissioned to carry out the work. According to its own statements, the Ministry of Transport is currently examining possible claims for damages and is seeking expert opinions on the matter.

Find out more:

• ​Grinding ferry: ‘Missunde III’ back in service
• ​Grinding ferry: Operations on the “Missunde III” suspended again shortly after departure
• ​Grinding ferry: Launch of the Missunde III postponed again

Recurring problems with “Missunde III”

On 30 July, the state took the ‘Missunde III’ out of service due to recurring problems with safe mooring. However, the series of setbacks had begun much earlier: since the 2019 feasibility study, there had been delays and rectifications until the state finally bought back the old ferry.

In the 2021 call for proposals, according to NDR Originally budgeted at 2.5 million euros. The total cost now stands at around 6.5 million euros. The Schlei crossing is used annually by around 120,000 vehicles, 50,000 bicycles and numerous pedestrians.