The Kiel Canal is one of the busiest artificial waterways in the world. It was closed on December 21 because of a leak in a pipeline from which large quantities of oil had spilled. Ships are now back on the canal between Kiel and Brunsbüttel.
Almost two weeks after an oil spill in the port of Brunsbüttel in Schleswig-Holstein, ships are back on the Kiel Canal. Traffic has been moving west since 7 a.m., according to the responsible waterways and shipping office.
Ten ships sailed the canal towards the North Sea. At the other end, the waterway was to be released around 12 p.m.
The canal was closed on December 21 after large amounts of crude oil spilled due to a leak in a pipeline. Most of the cleaning work has now been completed. Remaining work is expected to last until the end of January. According to the authorities, at least twelve cubic meters of crude oil got into the canal. In the event of a closure, ships will have to take the much longer route through the Skagerrak north of Denmark.
