Kick-off for the electrification of the Marschbahn

Electrification as the Key to Future Viability

The electrification of the Marschbahn is a crucial step in making rail transport along the west coast of Schleswig-Holstein future-proof. Approximately 173 kilometers of the route between Itzehoe and Westerland, as well as the 26-kilometer-long diversion route between Jübek and Husum, will be equipped with overhead lines to replace diesel trains with modern electric trains. The transition to electric operation brings a wide range of benefits: The operational quality of the entire line will be significantly improved with high-performance electric trains, which are less prone to failures, easier to maintain, and enable a more reliable and punctual service. 

Another key advantage is environmental sustainability: Electrification will save around 15 million liters of diesel annually, which corresponds to a reduction of 65,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. The trains will be powered by locally produced wind energy, actively driving forward the clean energy transition. In addition to ecological benefits, the electrification also offers economic opportunities: The west coast will be better connected to the long-distance rail network, boosting tourism and driving economic development in the region. Furthermore, operating costs will become more efficient, with annual savings of approximately 8 million euros. 

Currently, trains coming from the rest of Germany must switch from electric locomotives to diesel locomotives in Itzehoe. This cumbersome process will no longer be necessary after electrification, eliminating time losses, additional costs, and operational inefficiencies. The electrification of the Marschbahn is a crucial step toward making rail transport in the region future-ready. Claus Ruhe Madsen, Minister of Transport for Schleswig-Holstein, emphasizes: 

“Electrification is essentially the upgrade the Marschbahn needs to become fit for the future. It plays a significant role in the clean energy transition along the west coast and eliminates a longstanding competitive disadvantage for the economy.” 

Design Expertise for the Marschbahn

DB Engineering & Consulting is responsible for designing the first section of the route between Itzehoe and Heide. As one of the largest engineering firms in Europe, DB E&C brings extensive experience and state-of-the-art technology to the project. The scope of work includes structural engineering, transport infrastructure, signaling and control systems, overhead line systems, ground-penetrating radar surveys, and planning coordination. 

In the coming months, innovative methods such as drone flights for capturing aerial imagery and 3D data, as well as surveying using the 360° multisensor platform, will be deployed. These technologies enable precise documentation of the existing infrastructure and lay the foundation for efficient and seamless construction planning. 

In addition to DB E&C, the joint venture of OBERMEYER Infrastruktur, Ramboll, and Arcadis is involved in planning the subsequent sections Heide – Husum and Husum – Westerland. Together with the State of Schleswig-Holstein, NAH.SH, and DB InfraGO, close collaboration is being pursued to ensure the project’s efficient and sustainable implementation. 

Milestone for the Transition to Sustainable Mobility

The electrification of the Marschbahn will bring lasting change to the region. In addition to the shift toward environmentally friendly rail transport, various infrastructure improvements are being evaluated, such as new track connections, increased line speeds, and upgrades to eleven stations and stops. These enhancements aim to further improve operational quality and enable additional service expansions as outlined in the Statewide Public Transport Plan (LNVP). 

The launch of the planning phase marks a significant step toward the electrification and modernization of the Marschbahn. The route will become a pioneer of climate-friendly mobility on Schleswig-Holstein’s west coast, making a substantial contribution to achieving climate goals in the transport sector. 

We are proud to be part of this forward-looking project and to help lay the foundation for a sustainable and efficient infrastructure.