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 Accident in the lock Kiel-Holtenau from Saturday: The official investigations begin

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 31 August 2020

The vessel "ELSE" didn't stopped at the pilot station and tried to enter the closed lock without a pilot.
Following the crash on 29.08.2020, the official investigations into the accident are now beginning on site.

2

Video Golden Ray Salvage: Last Section Removed on 10/25/2021

published on 28 October 2021

Finally!!! The last section of the ship was removed from the site and taken to port for final salvage. While there is still a lot of clean up remaining this is a big mile stone in the salvage operation of the Golden Ray which capsized over 2 years ago on 9/8/2019 in the sound of St Simons Island, Georgia. Included is the movement of the section along with footage taken from a boat trip at the site and at the port. Some of my best video in the 2 years I've been filming. So I hope you enjoy...

0

Article Marine-Pilots.com celebrates its first anniversary these days!

by Frank Diegel - published on 26 October 2020

International Marine pilot platform for information and knowledge exchange an acute necessity.

3

Article Bahamas imposes compulsory maritime pilot rule for all vessels

published on 30 September 2025

The Bahamas has imposed a compulsory maritime pilot rule for all vessels, including cruise ships, at its ports since September 2025.

0

Article NAUTITEC takes over construction supervision of the Weener Bridge

published on 25 October 2021

Today, Nautitec took residence of their new offices at the construction site of the “Friesenbrücke” in Weener, the railway bridge which is connecting Weener to the Netherlands.

0

Video British Sea Pilot's 1960: Vintage History Vault Films.

published on 27 July 2026

Step back in time to the height of Britain's maritime influence with this look at the unsung heroes of the shipping industry: the sea pilots. In the 1960s, as global trade patterns shifted and shipping technology began its rapid evolution, British sea pilots remained the vital, trusted guides navigating the world’s most complex waterways. From the treacherous currents of the River Mersey to the bustling ports of the coast, these men held the legal conduct of massive vessels in their hands,...

1

Article Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA) is seeking for new pilot boats

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 17 April 2020

Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA) is seeking a contractor to build and deliver a new pilot vessel as part of a major project to upgrade its fleet of vessels. The contract for the work is currently being put out to tender and interested parties are encouraged to apply before the deadline of 8 May, 17.00.

0