Pilotage District
Kiel Canal
The district
The Kiel Canal connects the River Elbe at Brunsbüttel with the Baltic Sea at Kiel-Holtenau. It is a federal waterway and a seagoing shipping route.
The pilots of the Lotsenbrüderschaft NOK II Kiel / Lübeck / Flensburg advise bridge teams in the eastern section of the Kiel Canal. Their work is based on local knowledge, nautical experience and the applicable regulations.
The canal is characterised by its length, two-way traffic, locks, passing places, ferry crossings and varying channel profiles. Safe passage requires coordinated traffic management and detailed knowledge of local conditions.
District Information
District Area
Kiel Canal · eastern section · Kiel-Holtenau
Compulsory Pilotage
In accordance with the Kiel Canal Pilotage Ordinance (RevierLV NOK).
Pilot Order
Via the Pilot Order service of the Lotsenbrüderschaft NOK II Kiel / Lübeck / Flensburg.
Special Features of the District
The Kiel Canal places particular demands on passage planning, traffic management and local knowledge.
Canal passage
The passage follows an approximately 98-kilometre waterway between Brunsbüttel and Kiel-Holtenau.
Traffic management
Two-way traffic, passing places, locks, ferries and bridges require coordinated traffic control.
Vessel dimensions
Specific requirements regarding vessel dimensions, draught and equipment apply to navigation through the Kiel Canal.