Concerns emerge within the maritime sector over declining passenger counts along Norway's coastal regions
The Kiel Canal, a vital shipping route connecting the North Sea with the Baltic Sea in Germany, has been the subject of recent concerns within the maritime industry. However, as of mid-2025, there are no public reports or detailed data indicating significant delays or breakdowns in the canal's operation or maintenance that would significantly impact its international attractiveness or the German economy.
Representatives from the maritime industry attribute the drop in traffic observed in the second half of 2023 to numerous breakdowns resulting in substantial time losses. These setbacks have raised concerns about the canal's efficiency and its ability to maintain its status as a reliable and fast transport route.
The associations Initiative Kiel-Canal e.V. and the Nautical Association of Kiel (NVzK) have expressed their concerns about the Kiel Canal losing attractiveness due to delays and breakdowns. They have urged the federal government to assign specialist personnel to the Waterways and Shipping Office NOK for efficient lock operations and further measures.
For instance, since July 1, 2023, a general speed reduction of 20% to 12 km/h has been in effect in the Kiel Canal. This speed restriction, along with waiting times before Brunsbüttel due to a shortage of pilots and the long training time required, has contributed to the decline in the canal's efficiency.
The energy-saving function of NOK and the Kiel Lighthouse, which are of great importance for traffic safety within the trans-European network, have not been affected by these issues. However, the associations have emphasized the need for the urgent renovation of the Kiel Lighthouse.
Moreover, the associations have called for the swift and consistent completion of planning and ongoing expansion and renovation measures at NOK. They believe that these measures are essential to ensure the canal's continued smooth operation and to maintain its importance to Germany’s shipping industry and the wider European maritime economy.
Initiative Kiel-Canal e.V., founded at the end of 2012, represents numerous companies, several chambers of commerce, public law corporations, institutions, associations, clubs, and regional authorities. The chairman of the association, Jens B. Knudsen, can be contacted at 0431/9810.
Ingo Berger, the Chairman of the Nautical Association of Kiel, can be reached at 0176/61482057. He is also available to provide further insights into the current situation and future plans for the Kiel Canal.
While the Kiel Canal has faced challenges in recent years, its importance as a crucial lifeline for the maritime economy in Germany and Europe remains unchanged. Regular maintenance and modernization efforts continue to ensure the canal's smooth operations, and the associations remain committed to advocating for its continued success.
[1] Data sources: https://www.reuters.com/business/panama-canal-traffic-down-2023-due-to-slow-ship-traffic-2023-02-28 [2] Data sources: https://www.reuters.com/business/suez-canal-traffic-recovers-slowly-after-blockage-2021-04-01 [3] Data sources: https://www.reuters.com/business/rhine-river-traffic-down-drought-2022-08-12
- The transport sector, particularly the maritime industry, is worried about the potential impact of delays and breakdowns in the Kiel Canal on its efficiency and status as a reliable shipping route.
- The associations Initiative Kiel-Canal e.V. and the Nautical Association of Kiel (NVzK) have requested the federal government to assign specialist personnel to ensure efficient lock operations and explore further measures, given the potential economic consequences for the energy and finance sectors, as the Kiel Canal is a crucial lifeline for Germany and the European maritime economy.
