© IHK Kiel Schulz
IHK Schleswig-Holstein
The Baltic Sea flood in October 2023: Consequences for sailors
The severe Baltic Sea flood in October 2023 left significant marks on the coast of Schleswig-Holstein. The high water levels hit the region with a force not seen in many years. The coastal towns along the Flensburg Fjord, the Schlei, the Kiel Fjord and the Bay of Lübeck were particularly hard hit.
Maritime infrastructure – marinas, sailing clubs, jetties and private boat owners – also suffered considerable damage. Many marinas suffered from flooding, washed-out quays, destroyed jetties and torn-off supply lines. In several ports, boats were torn from their moorings, drifted uncontrollably in harbour basins, were washed ashore or sank.
Some yacht clubs reported total losses to warehouses, equipment and club boats. Mobile trailer storage facilities were flooded, slipways were destroyed and numerous boats were rendered unusable by water ingress or mechanical damage.
The economic damage to port operators, sailing clubs and boat owners runs into the millions. In addition to the immediate repair costs, the loss of tourist revenue due to cancellations during the water sports season also has to be taken into account.
Host City Local Partner
The Ocean Race Europe 2025
The sailing scene in Schleswig-Holstein is closely linked to the maritime infrastructure. The flood damage had a noticeable impact on training operations, everyday club life and the organisation of regattas. Many clubs had to cancel or reschedule planned events. Training boats, masts and sailing equipment were destroyed or washed away. Smaller clubs in particular are struggling to restore their infrastructure.
The flooding events highlight the urgency of adaptation and protection measures in response to increasing climate-related extreme weather conditions. There are various approaches that can be taken for marinas and sailing:
• Adaptation of port infrastructure: Floating jetties with a larger lifting range, height-adjustable power and water connections, and flood-proof storage areas can help to mitigate future damage.
• Structural protective measures: Mobile flood protection systems, retaining walls and dyke heightening in the vicinity of marinas must be planned and promoted locally.
• Climate adaptation planning: Local authorities, port operators and associations should systematically analyse flood risks and integrate them into infrastructure planning.
• Insurance solutions and financial provision: Comprehensive insurance against flood damage, possibly covered by programmes, can increase resilience.
• Early warning systems and emergency plans: Digital information systems for water levels and storm surge warnings, as well as coordinated emergency plans in clubs, can help to limit damage in the event of an emergency.
• Cooperation and networking: Regional networks of port operators and sailing clubs can jointly develop protection strategies and better organise themselves vis-à-vis politicians and administrators.
The Baltic Sea flood of October 2023 was a decisive event for Schleswig-Holstein's maritime infrastructure. Marinas, sailing boats and sailing in particular were severely affected. The damage is not only material, but also affects the cultural and social structure of the water sports community.
A sustainable response to the event requires more than mere repair work: it is about strategic adaptation to climate change, strengthening resilience in coastal regions and developing robust future concepts for the maritime leisure sector. Only in this way can Schleswig-Holstein maintain its role as a leading water sports region in Northern Europe, even under changed climatic conditions.
#meermachen
© IHK Schleswig-Holstein
Acquire article rights