Operation
There are detailed traffic rules for the canal
http://www.kiel-canal.org/pages_english/vorschriften/regulations-KIEL-CANAL.pdf. Each vessel in passage is classified in one of six "traffic groups" according to its dimensions. Depending on their classification, ships may be obliged to accept assistance of a
tugboat, or to accept pilots or specialised "canal helmsmen". Furthermore, there are regulations regarding the passing of oncoming ships. In some cases a ship is required to moor at the bollards provided at intervals along the canal (see picture) to allow the passage of oncoming traffic. Special rules apply to pleasure craft.
While most large, modern
cruise ships cannot pass through this canal due to clearance limits under bridges, one medium sized ship, the
M. S. Norwegian Dream has special funnels and masts that can be lowered for passage. A typical Baltic cruise for this ship is Dover england, through the Kiel Canal and across the Baltic to stops in Tallin (Estonia), St. Petersburg (Russia), Helsinki (Finland), Stockhom (Sweden), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Oslo (Norway), returning to Dover via the North Sea.
External links
Official homepage