The Federal Ministry of Transport has reduced the speed in the Kiel Canal from 15 to 12 km/h for all ships to enable urgently needed repair work to be carried out on the embankment over the next few years. However, the slower speed requires more pilots, who are not available in sufficient numbers due to the shortage of skilled labour. Although the infrastructure is less burdened by the slower passage, the cost increased considerably due to a higher demand for nautical service providers. In addition, waiting times can arise due to the insufficient number of pilots, which limits logistical reliability. To ensure the efficiency and reliability of the Kiel-Canal, it is necessary for the Kiel-Canal Waterways and Shipping Department to regularly maintain the canal with the right technical equipment and for shipping to return to higher speeds for smaller vessels.
That is why we are calling for: Back to the speed!
