The rehabilitation of the sail training ship "Gorch Fock" is expected to continue at the beginning of next week. It had been stopped because there was a suspicion of substantial funding irregularities.
Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen wants to repeal the currently applicable payment freeze. The goal is to start again on Monday with the work, said the CDU politician in Berlin.
Previously, there had been discussions with the new leadership of Elsflether Werft AG, which wants to bring the project after the replacement of the old tip because of infidelity allegations back on track. The basic agreement on the lifting of the payment freeze must formally agree with those involved in the insolvency proceedings. The minister said there was a good chance "that the 'Gorch Fock' would sail on the oceans again.
The cost of refurbishing the three-masted yachtsman skyrocketed over the years. Originally 10 million euros were provided, then increased to 75 million euros, now the cost approach has increased to 135 million euros. According to the Federal Government, around 69 million euros have already been spent by 2 January 2019.
According to previous data, the considerable increase in costs resulted above all from the previously undocumented, poor condition of the ship. In many parts, the works are now equivalent to a new building.
Elsflether Werft, which was commissioned with the rehabilitation of the "Gorch Fock", applied for bankruptcy proceedings in self-administration on 20 February. Background of the financial difficulties are allegedly misappropriated funds in the millions, which is attributed to the Leyen and the new shipyard leadership of about three weeks ago dismissed old leaders.
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