Building project - New pier opened at Norderney harbor
A revitalized Mole at Norderney Harbor will ensure shipping traffic to and from the North Sea island in the future. Niedersachsen's Economy Minister Olaf Lies opened the construction project together with the mayor of Norderney, Frank Ulrichs, and representatives of the state-owned harbor infrastructure company Niedersachsen Ports (NPorts). "With the renewal of the South Mole, we are making a significant contribution to the accessibility of the island and the security of tourism," said the SPD politician in a statement.
According to NPorts, the South Mole protects vessels from wind and waves while they dock at the harbor of the East Frisian Island. The mole absorbs waves and lets them rebound off of it, allowing vessels to lie relatively calmly at the pier. The construction costs amounted to approximately eight million Euros. During the construction work, the ferry traffic was redirected to a second pier.
The old mole at that location was deteriorated and needed to be renovated. Pedestrians were no longer allowed to access it. The work began in April 2022. NPorts temporarily halted the construction for approximately ten months to expedite the construction of the LNG import terminal in Wilhelmshaven. Recently, a dredger that had become stuck in the mud at the construction site caused an obstruction. Construction work on the structure is now almost complete, and ferry traffic can once again occur at the mole.
The mole is particularly important for passenger ferries and island tourism. Last year, Norderney recorded around 280,000 guest arrivals and over 1.5 million overnight stays.
- Frank Ulrichs, the mayor of Norderney, recognized the significance of the North Sea island's revitalized Mole for shipping traffic, stating, "This building project will significantly enhance the accessibility of our island and the security of our tourism sector."
- As a member of the SPD, Olaf Lies expressed his support for the renovation of the South Mole, suggesting that it would positively impact the island's ports and shipping industry.
- The renewal of the North Sea island's South Mole is crucial for maintaining seamless shipping traffic, allowing vessels to dock securely at Norderney Harbor, even during inclement weather condition in Lower Saxony's ports.
- The revitalized mole provides safe passage for both cargo ships and passenger ferries, fostering economic growth through shipping and tourism in Lower Saxony's coastal regions.
- Frank Ulrichs and Olaf Lies are committed to promoting Norderney as a tourist destination, leveraging the renovated South Mole and improved port facilities to attract travelers and boost the local economy.
