Since 28 April two new restricted areas in the Jade for research purposes. The areas between Hooksiel and Wilhelmshaven are located close to the red buoy line of the fairway and are initially closed to recreational shipping until 31 December 2027. The Weser-Jade-Nordsee Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA) has already informed the water sports clubs in the region. The initial feedback has been positive: "So far, the sailors have been very compliant," reports Xenia Dirksen from the WSA. Nevertheless, special attention is now required.
Test cages will be laid out on 8 May
The areas are not marked with restricted-area bins and there are no plans for buoys. However, a total of ten test cages will be laid out from 8 May - five per field. "These cages will lie on the seabed," explains Dirksen. In order to find the research equipment later, the cages will be labelled with floating buoys, which will probably be yellow in colour. Even without special labelling, sailors are well advised to observe the restricted areas; entering them is an offence.
The two research areas are located at the following coordinates:
Area 1:
- 53°38,849'N / 008°07,794'E
- 53°38,897'N / 008°07,917'E
- 53°38,398'N / 008°08,292'E
- 53°38,446'N / 008°08,415'E
Area 2:
- 53°38,194'N / 008°09,200'E
- 53°38,187'N / 008°09,186'E
- 53°38,115'N / 008°09,126'E
- 53°37,990'N / 008°09,166'E
- 53°37,892'N / 008°09,477'E
- 53°37,910'N / 008°09,511'E
- 53°38,058'N / 008°09,400'E
The only exceptions to the navigation ban are vehicles commissioned to carry out the project, as well as vehicles used by the state and rescue vehicles. Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in both areas.
Appeal: Also observe restricted areas at LNG terminals
When asked what exactly is being investigated, no information has yet been provided. Dirksen refers to the responsible client: "In any case, it is a commissioned measure that must be implemented by law. In this respect, there are no alternative options."
The WSA employee takes the opportunity to make an important appeal to all water sports enthusiasts leaving Hooksiel: "Please also observe the restricted area around the LNG terminals." The first LNG terminal has been in operation since December 2022, with a second to follow in 2025. Recreational boaters are repeatedly sailing too close to the tankers or the terminals - sometimes unintentionally.
In the Jade fairway, all boats must also keep at least one nautical mile away from LNG tankers ahead or behind that are supplying the terminals. The tankers are most easily recognised by the fact that they are usually accompanied by tugs and the water police. If in doubt, AIS or the radio station "Jade Traffic" (Outer Jade channel 63, Inner Jade channel 20) will provide information. The radio should always be listened to.
Things are getting tighter on the Jade
The two new restricted areas are located at narrow points in the Jade - there is not much room to cross outside the fairway. The restricted area off Hooksiel is particularly unfavourable for recreational boaters: in order to avoid the restricted zones in front of the LNG terminals, many move behind the buoy line on the opposite side of the fairway - and thus, in case of doubt, right into the new restricted area. The new research areas are not the only changes that recreational boaters on the Jade have to observe. In Wilhelmshaven, a new harbour usage regulation for the outer harbour to the sea lock, known as the Fourth Entrance, has been in force since December 2025. Every vessel intending to enter the lock must register with the sea lock before entering. The coastal radio station "Wilhelmshaven Lock" is ready to receive on VHF channels 13 and 16 during lock operating hours.
The outer harbour is a marine area - passage to the lock is only permitted in the corridor 100 metres on either side of the guideline at moderate speed. Mooring is prohibited. Sailors intending to enter the lock must therefore wait outside on the Jade in front of the harbour basin for the lock to open. Together with the restricted areas at the LNG terminals, the prescribed nautical mile distance to LNG tankers in the fairway and now the two new research areas, the available space for pleasure craft on the Jade is becoming increasingly scarce. Thorough trip preparation with up-to-date nautical charts and attentive listening to the radio is more important than ever.
This might also interest you:
North Sea update 2026: Jade and Weser - Up-to-date information on fairways, locks and restricted areas between Wilhelmshaven and Bremerhaven.
District portrait: Hooksiel - The idyllic harbour on the edge of the Jade is the perfect starting point for mudflat cruises.
Ursula Meer
Redakteurin Panorama und Reise
