Concerns escalate within the maritime sector over decreasing passenger traffic along Norway's coastline
In the latter half of 2023, the Kiel Canal, a crucial trade route between the North and Baltic Seas, experienced a marked decrease in shipping traffic, according to maritime economy representatives. The decline was attributed to a series of breakdowns causing substantial delays.
As a vital lifeline for Germany's and Europe's maritime economy, the Kiel Canal offers faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transport routes essential for trade and industry. Delays in lock operations can have adverse effects, not only locally but also on an international scale.
The "Initiative Kiel-Canal" and the "Nautical Association of Kiel" have long raised concerns about the waterway's operation and maintenance. Jens-Broder Knudsen, the chairman of the IKC, states that the canal's attractiveness is diminishing for users due to these issues.
Since July 1, 2023, there has been a progressive increase in delays, leading to a noticeable decrease in ship sizes and passage numbers. Since this date, a 20% reduction in vessel speed has been enforced to prevent further damage to the canal bed, extending transit times and escalating the demand for pilots and canal pilots.
A historic first, waiting times before Brunsbüttel were recorded as pilots underwent the necessary rest periods before they could be redeployed. Shortages in personnel at the water and shipping administration have also contributed to lock delays, resulting in full closures and individual locking of vessels, thereby reducing capacity and attractiveness.
Regular deficiencies in the operation and maintenance of the Kiel Canal have intensified in recent times, leading to incidents unprecedented in the canal's history. One result was a complete canal closure due to a snow clearance service failure, casting doubt on the suitability of the service provider selection process. Even essential lighthouse lighting for guiding large ships has suffered from negligent maintenance by WSV personnel.
Following the October 2023 Baltic storm surge, the Kiel lighthouse and the pilot transfer station sustained damage, further driving up users' costs due to longer and more complex approach routes. In response, the "Initiative Kiel-Canal" and the "Nautical Association of Kiel" have sent a letter to the federal government, calling for increased specialist personnel, renewed funding for modernization efforts, and improved working conditions at the WSV.
The Kiel-Canal Initiative, established in late 2012, unites committed voices advocating for the functional preservation and long-term sustainability of the North Sea-Oder Canal. Its members include various companies, chambers of commerce, public law corporations, institutions, associations, clubs, and regional authorities.
Industry groups and local associations have previously advocated for modernization investments, enhanced safety measures, and better communication between canal authorities, ship operators, and local stakeholders. Such initiatives aim to ensure the Kiel Canal's future as a vital European shipping artery by focusing on infrastructure, maintenance, and operational transparency.
Despite the recent incident, no major disruptions have been reported beyond isolated incidents. The Kiel Canal remains operational, though an investigation into the Embla collision by the Brunsbüttel Water Police is underway[1]. A vigilant approach to maintenance and robust incident management are essential to ensuring the canal's ongoing success.
- The Kiel Canal's attractiveness for businesses, such as transport, energy, finance, and public-transit industries, is being affected due to the increasing delays and reductions in vessel capacity.
- To address these issues, industry groups and local associations are calling for increased specialist personnel, renewed funding for modernization efforts, and improved working conditions at the Water and Shipping Administration (WSV), with the aim of preserving the canal's functionality and ensuring its future success.
- The ongoing disruptions and potential risks for businesses in the finance, industry, energy, and transportation sectors underscore the importance of maintaining the Kiel Canal's infrastructure, implementing safety measures, and fostering better communication between the canal authorities, ship operators, and local stakeholders.
