Kiel Canal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nord-Ostsee-Kanal |
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Current map of Kiel Canal in Schleswig-Holstein
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| Specifications | |
| Length | 98.26 km (61.06 miles) |
| Maximum boat length | 235 metres (771 ft) |
| Maximum boat beam | 32.5 metres (107 ft) |
| Minimum boat air draft | 40 metres (130 ft) |
| History | |
| Construction began | 1887 |
| Date completed | 1895 |
| Date extended | 1907–14 |
| Geography | |
| Start point | Brunsbüttel (North Sea) |
| End point | Kiel (Baltic Sea) |
The Kiel Canal is a very important waterway in Germany. It connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea. This canal is about 95 kilometers (59 miles) long. It helps ships travel much faster and safer.
The canal was first opened on June 19, 1895. It was later made bigger to allow even the largest warships to pass through. The improved canal was officially reopened on June 24, 1914.
The Kiel Canal is the busiest man-made waterway in the world for sea-going ships. In 2014, over 32,600 ships used this canal.
Using the Kiel Canal saves ships about 250 kilometers (155 miles) of travel. This is because they don't have to go all the way around the Jutland Peninsula. It saves time and helps ships avoid stormy seas.
The Kiel Canal also connects to the River Eider. This connection is made by the short Gieselau Canal at Oldenbüttel.
How the Canal Works
There are special rules for ships using the Kiel Canal. Ships are put into different groups based on their size. Bigger ships must have a special pilot and canal helmsman on board. Sometimes, they even need a tugboat to help them.
There are also rules about how ships pass each other. Very large ships might have to stop and tie up at special posts. This allows other ships coming from the opposite direction to pass safely. Small pleasure boats have their own set of rules.
All the bridges built over the canal are very tall. They have a clearance of 42 meters (138 feet). This allows even very tall ships to pass underneath easily.
Local people can cross the canal using 14 different ferry lines. One special ferry is the "hanging ferry" under the Rendsburg High Bridge. All these ferries are free to use and are run by the Canal Authority.
Images for kids
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The canal as shown on a map from 1920
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The Rendsburg High Bridge
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The Levensau High Bridge
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See also
In Spanish: Canal de Kiel para niños
