Article

Kiel Canal fully closed after accident


published on 30 November 2022 -  2711 -

Picture / Screenshot from YouTube. Link below

The collision on the Kiel Canal caused "visible damage" to the Holtenau High Bridge. The consequences could also be serious for the important connection in the longer term.

The Finnish special vessel "Meri" collided with both Holtenau high bridges over the Kiel Canal early on Wednesday morning at around 4.37 am. As it is still unclear how badly the collision damaged the bridges, the bridges and shipping traffic on the canal were initially closed in both directions for an indefinite period of time, the Kiel police said. The water police have taken up the investigation.

Crane transported on ship hits bridge
The heavy-lift and workboat was travelling on the canal in the direction of Brunsbüttel. The ship was carrying a crane, the boom of which collided with and damaged both Holtenau high bridges shortly after passing through the lock for reasons still unknown. Parts of the crane probably fell into the canal. According to the current state of the investigation, no one was injured in the accident.

Both the high bridges and the Kiel Canal have been closed to all traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, since the accident. "This is a real bottleneck. It will still have a huge impact," said a police spokesman. Motorists would now have to divert to the Levensau high bridge, cyclists and pedestrians could also use ferries. It is not yet clear how long the closures will last. Experts will first have to assess the damage.

The cause of the accident is still unclear
The fire brigade is currently trying to clean up the hydraulic oil that spilled into the canal. No information can yet be given on the damage to the ship.

The statics of the bridge are to be examined in the course of the day. How the collision could have occurred and whether technical or human error was the cause of the accident is still being investigated.

Join the conversation...

Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Mykyta Kontsevyi Ukraine
on 2 December 2022, 10:33 UTC

Oh my… 😲
0

Read more...

Video Transit of the Panama Canal with an XDF LNG Carrier on the Newly expanded locks under pilotage

published on 19 December 2020

Join me as we transit through the Panama Canal from the North-East side to the South-West. An interesting vlog on how an XDF LNG carrier transits through the newly expanded Panama Canal.Find out its history and which vessel and Captain transited the Canal on its opening day on the 15th of August 1914.The interaction with the Pilot Captain Arnulfo Cepetno who assist me on transit the Cocoli locks.

2

Video Suez canal blocked: attempts continue to free stuck megaship Ever Given

published on 25 March 2021

Efforts to free the giant container ship are continuing after the 400m-long vessel became stuck in the Suez canal. Local authorities attempted to dislodge the 220,000 ton vessel from the banks of the canal using tug boats, but the megaship remains stuck more than one day after it ran aground.

1

Video Thousands of Miles at Sea – Why Are the Last Few Miles Through the Panama Canal So Difficult?

published on 6 October 2026

Thousands of miles across the open ocean can seem like the easy part of a ship's journey. The real challenge begins when a massive vessel reaches the final few dozen miles, where open water gives way to narrow channels, strict traffic controls, powerful tugboats, and enormous locks. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Panama Canal, where ships must be carefully guided through a complex system designed to move them between two oceans. So how can the last few miles of a journey become...

0

Article Simulation of Maritime Helicopter Operations with Pilot Assistance for Enhanced Ship Deck Landings

published on 19 January 2022

Pilot-in-the-Loop simulations embedded to a high-resolution maritime environment.

0

Article Help needed: For better visibility of the pilot work

published on 26 November 2025

This is a tribute build to a work life at sea. It is adventure. It is history. And it is modern story of a work life for many people around the world. Vote here!

1

Article IMPA open letter - Crew exchange in times of corona

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 4 July 2020

The IMPA has published on 30th June 2020 a letter about crew exchange in times of corona. Read the letter here:

0

Article First female marine pilot beats the tide in Djibouti

published on 21 May 2021

Sea transport has for many years been a reserve of men with few women getting the opportunity, especially in most African countries. But for Fatouma Ali Ahmed, women can equally steer ships just as men can do.

0

Article Vessel Pilots: Ensuring Safe Port Calls

published on 5 October 2021

Throughout the world, mariners rely upon nautical charts to guide their voyages, to assist them in avoiding obstructions, and to note any special ocean conditions when sailing.

0

Video Norway Pilot Boat LOS 122

published on 25 October 2021

0

Article U.S. largest pilot boat delivered to Texas. Stabilized by Humphree.

published on 19 March 2021

Breaux’s Bay Craft, Loreauville, La., delivered the new 90’x23’x12’4″ aluminum pilot boat Spindletop to the Sabine Pilots on March 6. The Sabine Pilots, Port Arthur, Texas, serve the Texas ports of Orange, Port Arthur and Beaumont. “This is the biggest pilot boat built in the U.S.,” said Roy Breaux, the shipyard’s owner. “There are bigger ones in other parts of the world, but this is the largest in the U.S.”

1