Höchst without the Mainfähre? Not imaginable for the residents of the district and the guests who enjoy the short crossing. The popular passenger and bicycle ferry is an integral part of Höchst. Regional energy provider Süwag has supported the "Walter Kolb" ferry for more than ten years. However, the future of the service was uncertain due to increased operating costs. The energy supplier is now expanding the existing partnership for fast, unbureaucratic assistance. For the next two years, the Mainfähre will ply the Main River under the name "Mainfähre Walter Kolb powered by Süwag."
"We do not leave a long-time partner and neighbor alone in a temporary emergency. Our corporate headquarters is within sight. We have had close ties for many years, so we feel a responsibility to help here," explained Mike Schuler, a Süwag board member.
The ferry service between Höchst and Schwanheim can be traced back to the 16th century. The ferryboat "Walter Kolb" has been operating between Höchst and Schwanheim since 1992. It is the only ferry in Frankfurt. It belongs to the city and is currently leased to ferryman Sven Junghans. "The financial lifeline from Süwag came just in time. I could no longer handle the rising costs despite previous support from the city and Süwag. It's nice to know that there's a neighbor like Süwag that you can count on," says ferryman Junghans.
"I very much welcome the fact that the Frankfurt-based company Süwag is committed to the Höchster Mainfähre. The ferry connection has existed for exactly 400 years this year. It is very popular with the citizens and an important part of Frankfurt's GrünGürtel circular route," explains Lord Mayor Mike Josef.
Wolfgang Siefert, who will be responsible for the ferry as head of mobility from July 8, adds: "Restrictions during Corona followed by increased operating costs last year have presented financial challenges for ferry operations. It is therefore very gratifying that, in addition to our own contribution, Süwag is now also making a significant contribution to securing the future of the ferry."
Long-standing tradition and regional proximity unite: Frankfurt is not only the geographical center of the Syna network area but also the location of Süwag's corporate headquarters. With its network subsidiary Syna, Süwag has been supplying the western districts of Frankfurt with electricity for many decades. These include Höchst, Nied, Sindlingen, Sossenheim, Unterliederbach and Zeilsheim, with a population of around 91,000. Around 1,200 employees work at the company's headquarters in Höchst.
