Declining Passenger Counts Spark Concerns within Maritime Sector Along Norwegian Shores
In the second half of 2023, a noticeable drop in ships traversing the Kiel Canal has been observed. The maritime industry chaps are blaming this on a spate of breakdowns causing hefty time losses. Known as the lifeblood of the German and European maritime economy, this shortcut between the North and Baltic Seas enables cost-effective, speedy, and environmentally-friendly shipping routes crucial for trade and industry.
Delays in lock operations can affect local areas and international trade negatively. The Kiel Canal Initiative (IKC) and the Nautical Association of Kiel (NVzK) have consistently flagged issues with the canal's operation and maintenance. Jens-Broder Knudsen, IKC's chairman, expresses concern over the canal losing its appeal for users.
Since July 1, 2023, the Kiel Canal has seen a decline in the safe and predictable passage for international shipping, resulting in shrinking ship sizes and passage numbers. A 20% speed reduction to 12 km/h has been enforced since then to prevent further deterioration of the canal bed. This extended passage time has correspondingly boosted the demand for pilots and canal pilots, straining available resources due to rigorous training requirements. For the first time in history, there have been waiting times before Brunsbüttel for pilots to complete rest periods.
Ingo Berger, NVzK chief, notes that the locking process is also delayed due to staff shortages within the water and shipping administration. This has led to full closures and more locked ships being processed individually, thereby reducing capacity and the canal's attractiveness. Both organizations emphasize that ongoing issues with operation and maintenance are escalating. They point out incidents that are unprecedented in the Kiel Canal's history, such as complete closures due to unperformed snow clearance services by external contractors and neglected essential lighthouse lighting.
Post the October 2023 Baltic storm flood, the Kiel lighthouse and the pilot transfer station have sustained damage, adding to the users' expenditures due to longer and complex approach routes.
Concerned about the Kiel Canal continuing to lose its charm in the face of delays and breakdowns that jeopardize the reliability and predictability of its passage, IKC and NVzK submitted a joint letter to the federal government. They urged for the assignment of specialized personnel to the North Sea-Canal and Shipping Authority, swift completion of ongoing planning, expansion, and renovation measures, a halt to job cuts at the WSV, better working conditions at the WSV, and urgent renovation of the Kiel Lighthouse.
For Knudsen and Berger, it's crucial that the Kiel Canal, an essential part of the trans-European network, maintains its energy-saving role in traffic safety as ecological shipping shifts and alternative fuel costs rise.
The Kiel-Canal Initiative e.V., founded at the end of 2012, advocates for the canal's functional preservation and future-proofing. Its membership consists of businesses, chambers of commerce, public law corporations, institutions, associations, clubs, and regional authorities.
For more information, contact:
Jens B. Knudsen - Chairman, Kiel-Canal Initiative e.V. - Office: 0431/9810
Ingo Berger - Chairman of the "Nautical Association of Kiel" - Mobile: 0176/61482057
Maritime canals often face challenges like congestion, capacity constraints, and environmental factors affecting operation and maintenance. Solutions might involve infrastructure upgrades, digitalization, and automation, or adopting sustainable practices. Addressing such issues can support a healthier maritime economy and trade by minimizing costs, safeguarding trade flows, and fostering regional investment. However, for precise information on the Kiel Canal, further inquiries should be directed to local maritime authorities or research institutions specializing in German or European maritime trade.
- The Kiel-Canal Initiative and the Nautical Association of Kiel have expressed concern about the declining attractiveness of the Kiel Canal, which can impact the finance, transportation, and maritime industry sectors, given it plays a significant role in the trans-European network and costs savings.
- In a joint letter submitted to the federal government, the Kiel-Canal Initiative and the Nautical Association of Kiel advocated for assigning specialized personnel to the North Sea-Canal and Shipping Authority, urging swift completion of renovation and expansion measures, and emphasizing the need to address the ongoing issues that affect the operation and maintenance of the Kiel Canal in order to maintain its energy-saving role in traffic safety, especially amidst ecological shipping shifts and rising alternative fuel costs.
