NORD-OSTSEE-KANAL

• DECKL
• Latitude: 54.1633
• Longitude: 9.65321
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Canal in Germany

Location: Germany

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The Nord-Ostsee-Kanal, also known as the Kiel Canal, is one of the world’s busiest artificial waterways, located in northern Germany. It connects the North Sea (via the Elbe River) to the Baltic Sea, offering a crucial shortcut for maritime traffic, avoiding the longer and often rougher route around the Jutland Peninsula.

Description

Location:

• Stretches from Brunsbüttel in the west at the Elbe River/ North Sea entrance, to Kiel-Holtenau in the east at the Baltic Sea.

Length:

• Approximately 98 kilometers (61 miles).

Width and Depth:

• The canal is around 103 meters (338 feet) wide at its surface.
• The bottom width is about 44 meters (144 feet).
• The depth is generally maintained at about 11 meters (36 feet).

Infrastructure

Locks:

• Brunsbüttel: A complex with multiple chambers that allow for traffic in varying water levels between the North Sea and the canal.
• Kiel-Holtenau: Similar to the Brunsbüttel complex, it accommodates vessels passing between the canal and the Baltic Sea.

Bridges and Tunnels:

• The canal features multiple road and rail bridges, including notable structures such as the Rendsburg High Bridge.
• There are also a few tunnels beneath the canal to facilitate vehicular traffic.

Traffic Specifications

Capacity:

• The canal can accommodate vessels up to 235.50 meters in length and 32.50 meters in width, with a maximum draft of 9.5 meters. This typically includes large cargo ships, container ships, and passenger vessels.

Navigation

Pilotage:

• Pilots are mandatory for navigation through the canal to safely guide ships through its constrained dimensions and heavy traffic areas.

Traffic Control:

• The canal is equipped with sophisticated traffic management systems, including radar and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) to ensure efficient and safe navigation.

Economic and Strategic Importance

• The Kiel Canal is a strategically vital route for Germany and the wider maritime industry, saving ships on average 460 kilometers (285 miles) as opposed to circumnavigating the Jutland Peninsula.

• Facilitates quicker and cost-effective movement of goods between the North Sea and Baltic Sea, aiding trade and commerce in the region.

Environmental Considerations

• Efforts are continuously made to balance the heavy traffic demands with environmental protection. Measures include regular dredging to maintain the canal depth and initiatives to protect the surrounding ecosystems.

In summary, the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal stands as a critical maritime artery in Europe, seamlessly blending historical engineering prowess with modern navigational technology to serve the global shipping industry efficiently.