Restored Connection Between Koblenz/Cologne and Bremerhaven Via Bremen: City of Bremerhaven and Mobility Senator Express Regret Over Deutsche Bahn's Decision
The city of Bremerhaven and its mobility department are in discussions with Deutsche Bahn to find practical solutions that will better integrate the city into the long-distance network, following the discontinuation of the IC line. The IC line, which runs from Koblenz/Cologne via Münster, Osnabrück, Bremen, and Osterholz-Scharmbeck to Bremerhaven, has seen persistently weak demand, making continued operation no longer possible.
Deutsche Bahn has released a statement, expressing their intention to continue exchanging views with the city of Bremerhaven and the affected regions to explore alternative connection options. Mayor Melf Grantz of Bremerhaven finds the decision to discontinue the IC connection to Bremerhaven disappointing and incomprehensible. He has demanded a reversal of Deutsche Bahn's decision and a significant improvement in Bremerhaven's connection to long-distance traffic.
While a permanent long-distance passenger alternative has not been explicitly detailed, ongoing rail corridor upgrades indicate an ongoing commitment to improving rail access and capacity in the region. For instance, a planned renovation project for the Bremerhaven–Bremen rail corridor, scheduled for 2027, aims to modernize the line and improve regional connectivity.
In the meantime, the most viable long-distance connection option being explored for Bremerhaven is the strengthening of intermodal freight and combined transport via the new Rail Gate Bremerhaven terminal at the Eurogate Container Terminal. This facility, which started operations in July 2025, significantly expands rail freight capacity with six transshipment tracks, remote-controlled gantry cranes, and infrastructure designed to efficiently handle up to 330,000 containers annually, linking maritime and inland freight routes.
Additional international freight rail connections are being strengthened in the broader European rail network through RCG’s TransFER services, providing efficient block trains and intermodal solutions connecting key logistics hubs, enhancing the overall logistical connectivity of Northern Germany’s ports, including Bremerhaven.
In conclusion, the permanent long-distance viable alternative is currently focused on enhanced freight rail transport infrastructure and logistics solutions rather than direct passenger IC service replacements. Future passenger service improvements may follow ongoing rail corridor upgrades. Mayor Grantz emphasizes the need for a regular ICE connection for the citizens of Bremerhaven to travel efficiently and comfortably, as the once-daily Intercity was often canceled due to a lack of personnel or technical issues. The discontinuation of the Intercity connection leaves a region heavily dependent on tourism isolated from long-distance traffic.
Summary Table of Alternative Long-Distance Connection Options for Bremerhaven
| Type | Description | Status | |---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------| | Freight Intermodal | Rail Gate Bremerhaven terminal with six tracks, remote cranes, high container handling capacity | Operational since July 2025 | | Rail Corridor Upgrade| Bremerhaven–Bremen rail line modernization planned for 2027, improving regional connectivity | Planned | | International Freight| Expanded RCG TransFER rail freight services connecting through Europe, strengthening logistics | Ongoing development | | Passenger Services | No specific permanent long-distance passenger alternatives officially announced yet | No current permanent substitute |
Deutsche Bahn is actively exploring alternative connection options for Bremerhaven, focusing on intermodal freight and combined transport, as exemplified by the Rail Gate Bremerhaven terminal. The mayor of Bremerhaven, Melf Grantz, continues to advocated for a regular ICE connection for efficient and comfortable long-distance travel, as the IC connection discontinuation leaves the region heavily dependent on tourism isolated from long-distance traffic.
