In addition to conventional yachts, the new harbour will also provide space for fishing boats and larger vessels. Even a "larger" shipwrecked vessel will be able to find short-term shelter in the replacement harbour for Darßer Ort alongside the DGzRS rescue cruiser. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister for Agriculture and the Environment, Dr Till Backhaus, presented this and other details to over 200 interested citizens in Prerow last Friday.
According to the ministry, this involved the results of the variant analysis and the preferred utilisation variant for the "Prerow island harbour - replacement harbour for the Darßer Ort emergency harbour" project. In this context, Backhaus emphasised "that the coalition, state parliament, cabinet and the citizens of Prerow have jointly spoken out in favour of the new construction and operation of the port".
Five variants tested
Five utilisation options were examined as part of the preliminary planning. All of them included berths for a DGzRS boat and a distressed vessel as well as berths for local fishermen. However, there were differences with regard to the number of berths for pleasure craft, the options for a passenger ship berth and the general equipment of the harbour.
This also results in differences in the costs for the individual variants. They are estimated at between 20 and almost 29 million euros. There are also follow-up costs for the operation and maintenance of the new harbour.
In this context, the ministries involved in the financing have agreed on one of the most expensive options. Whether it can be realised depends on the state cabinet. Backhaus hopes that the cabinet will give its approval by February at the latest.
Longest pier in the Baltic Sea region
If this were to happen, not only would a new marina be built in Prerow in the coming years, but also the longest pier in the entire Baltic Sea region. The old pier, which according to Prerow's mayor René Roloff is now in urgent need of renovation, would be extended to a total length of 690 metres. The harbour would then be located at its head.
In addition to rescue cruisers, fishermen and yachts, there will also be space for a passenger ship. According to Backhaus, an expert report commissioned by the ministry showed that a passenger ship operation could be economically successful on up to 75 days a year. This would result in regional economic effects totalling up to 380,000 euros per year, 45 percent of which could be generated from the pleasure craft berths.
Regular marina instead of port of refuge
Unlike the previous emergency harbour in Darßer Ort, the harbour in Prerow would also have the infrastructure required for regular marina operations. Plans include a technical operations building, sanitary facilities, shore power and water connections as well as a sewage disposal facility. There is even talk of a recreation area with sun loungers for walkers and a water playground for children.
"We have spoken out in favour of this interesting and effective alternative, as additional berths strengthen the harbour's staging function. Furthermore, if the combination of a passenger ship berth at the pier and a multifunctional emergency berth is realised, it will be possible to establish an economical passenger ship operation. And the construction of the longest bridge in the Baltic Sea region will also increase the attractiveness of the harbour for tourists," said Minister Backhaus, justifying the planned option.
Completion by 2021
The municipality has been involved in the planning process with a harbour group, which has provided specific advice on planning. "This collaboration is important to me, which is why the municipality should continue to be involved in the planning process. For example, I expect the municipality and the office to comment on the proposed variants. In addition, citizens, the municipality and public interest organisations will have the opportunity to have their say in the planning approval process, which begins this year," said Backhaus.
However, the preliminary planning and variant analyses have now been completed. Backhaus: "After the cabinet decision, the design and approval planning will be finalised. I assume that the island harbour can go into operation in 2021." After 30 years of discussion about an alternative to the emergency harbour at Darßer Ort, which has repeatedly run aground, this would finally lead to a sensible solution, said the minister.
