In addition to general international rules the Kiel-Canal, being a highly frequented artificial waterway, has special regulations that have to be considered by your master and crew. Therefore we give a summary which helps you and your vessel’s command to plan the trip smoothly. If you require any further details, please do not hesitate to contact our Kiel-Canal department.

General Information for Kiel Canal transits

• Kiel-Canal transit is possible day and night with no delays to be expected
• The anticipated transit time, depending on the traffic situation, is about 7 hours. Convoy-traffic usually not being necessary, the vessel can enter the Kiel-Canal normally straight upon arrival.
• Please note that you will have pilot’s assistance available from Elbe 1 pilot station up to Kiel Lighthouse or vice versa.
• There are no special documents required for the Kiel-Canal transit. Our water clerks will board the vessel for clearance upon the vessel's arrival at the locks. The Master only has to present the tonnage certificate and a copy of the crew list for the immigration officers.
• Master or Owner has to report ETA pilot station 12 / 6 / 2 hrs prior arrival, in order to arrange pilots for Kiel-Canal transit

If the vessel is scheduled to transit the Kiel-Canal eastbound, the master has to note the following:

• While entering German territorial waters in an easterly direction, the master has to report the vessel’s position either on passing the light buoys TG 13 / TG 17 or GW 7 / GW 9. The report has to be done to the traffic control center Wilhelmshaven via VHF-Channel 16 or 80 in order to avoid a fine from the authorities.
• The Elbe-river pilot will board the vessel on the Elbe 1 pilot-station.
• The Master has to keep SARTORI & BERGER, Brunsbüttel, always informed about the ETA at Elbe 1 pilots' station (observe update) in order to arrange the pilot's boarding without delays.
• The Master has to advise SARTORI & BERGER, Kiel, of the arrival freshwater draft. The same is limited to 9,50 metres for vessels with a length up to 160 metres. If these dimensions are exceeded, please refer to the enclosed draft diagram.
• The maximum permissible airdraft incl. masts/antennas is limited to 40 metres above the water surface (fresh water). Prior to the vessel's arrival, the airdraft data, as well as cargo details, have to be confirmed by the Master to SARTORI & BERGER, Brunsbüttel, by telex/fax or email.

If the vessel is scheduled to transit the Kiel-Canal westbound, the master has to note the following:

• When entering German territorial waters in westbound direction, the master has to report the vessel's position 2 hrs prior arrival Kiel Lighthouse to the Kiel-Pilots on vhf channel 14 or 16 two hours prior to the arrival at Kiel-Lighthouse.
• The boarding of the pilot takes place upon passing Kiel-Lighthouse.
• The Master has to keep SARTORI & BERGER, Kiel, always informed about the ETA at Kiel-Lighthouse (and observe update) in order to arrange the pilot's boarding without delay.
• The Master has to advise SARTORI & BERGER, Kiel, of the arrival freshwater draft. The same is limited to 9,50 metres for vessels with a length up to 160 metres. If these dimensions are exceeded, please refer to the enclosed draft diagram.
• The maximum permissible airdraft incl. masts/antennas is limited to 40 metres above the water surface (fresh water). Prior to the vessel's arrival, the airdraft data, as well as cargo details, have to be confirmed by the Master to SARTORI & BERGER, Holtenau, by telex/fax or email.

For any technical requirements, questions, passage notifications and emergencies your vessels should contact our offices at the Kiel-Canal Locks in Kiel-Holtenau and Brunsbüttel. Inquiries addressed to these offices will be handled immediately by our Duty Clerk 24 hrs 365 days a year.

If you are interested in further details, we invite you to read the traffic regulations by clicking on the following link:

Download traffic regulations (PDF)