Electrifiying Marschbahn for a more sustainable and resilient future

Replacing the diesel trains that presently serve the Marschbahn with a fully electrified line and the potential switch to the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) standard will result in multiple benefits for tourists, commuters, and the environment.

Climate neutral operations can be achieved on the line by drawing on the region’s extensive wind power capacity - saving 15 million litres of diesel and 65,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. Meanwhile, more robust electric locomotives ensure higher operating quality and performance with lower susceptibility to maintenance-related failures.

The most popular tourist destinations on Schleswig-Holstein's west coast will be reached more quickly and reliably without changing trains, and an Intercity Express (ICE) connection will be possible. In addition, €8 million in annual operational cost savings are expected to be realised.

Investigations are being conducted into which infrastructure improvements can be implemented at the same time as the electrification works. This includes investigations into new switch connections as well as measures to make the line more robust and resilient for the future. This will lead to faster and more frequent connections on the route – thereby making a positive contribution to service improvements in the statewide local transport plan.

Ramboll has been commissioned on the project in a consortium with Obermeyer Infrastruktur and Arcadis Germany by Nahverkehrsverbund Schleswig-Holstein GmbH (NAH.SH GmbH) on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Labour, Technology, and Tourism for the State of Schleswig-Holstein.

The complex planning phase of the project covers the overhead line system, permanent way, planning and engineering structures as well as subsoil and environmental assessments in the Heide to Westerland section.