Hamburg, January 20, 2026 – Ferry services to Hamburg-Finkenwerder continue to be a significant challenge for commuters and tourists. Last year, the HADAG ferry company recorded a 25 percent increase in cancellations on its main Line 62, according to calculations by NDR 90.3. This surge in disruptions has drawn sharp criticism from local politicians and resident groups, despite HADAG’s claims of offering more scheduled departures across all Finkenwerder lines.
Thousands of Cancellations on Key Commuter Route
Approximately 3,000 ferry journeys were cancelled on Line 62 alone last year, an increase of 600 cancellations compared to the previous year. Line 62, which operates between Landungsbrücken and Finkenwerder, is the busiest route in the port, serving over four million passengers annually, including both commuters and tourists. The line saw a passenger increase of about three percent, highlighting its crucial role in the city’s transport network.
Reasons for the cancellations varied, including vessel unavailability, crew shortages, and severe winter storms. These disruptions have prompted serious concerns about the reliability of public transport options for Finkenwerder residents.
Political and Public Outcry Over Unreliable Service
Heike Sudmann, co-chair of the Left Party parliamentary group, raised the issue with the Senate, expressing her frustration. “How are the people of Finkenwerder supposed to cross the Elbe? If the Senate wants to prevent people from switching to cars, it must finally ensure a reliable ferry service,” Sudmann stated, emphasizing the need for dependable public transport alternatives.
The “ForumFähreFinkenwerder” alliance echoed these sentiments, highlighting the severe impact of the cancellations on the community. “The massive ferry cancellations are a serious problem for Finkenwerder. The only alternative for us is the 150 bus to the other side of the Elbe, which is very often stuck in traffic,” a representative from the alliance commented, underscoring the limited and often inefficient alternatives available to residents.
HADAG Defends Operations Amidst Criticism
In response to the criticism, HADAG maintained that it had significantly increased its service offerings, providing an additional 2,100 connections to and from Finkenwerder. The company also reported success in recruiting additional ship captains to address staff shortages on the municipal ferry line 11, indicating efforts to mitigate some of the operational challenges.
Future Outlook: Electric Ferries and Ongoing Problems
Hamburg is set to receive three new all-electric ferries from Saxony-Anhalt, a move aimed at contributing to the city’s climate goals. These new vessels are expected to enhance the fleet and potentially improve service reliability in the long term. However, the immediate challenges of frequent cancellations and their impact on daily life for Finkenwerder residents remain a pressing concern.
The ongoing issues with ferry services underscore the complexities of managing urban public transport, balancing operational demands with passenger expectations and environmental commitments.
