Urgent Expansion of GDWS Staff Necessary for Efficient Navigation Through North Baltic Canal
The Kiel Canal, a vital maritime waterway in Germany that connects the North and Baltic Seas, is facing a critical challenge due to staff shortages. These shortages have led to delays and impairments, with significant economic repercussions both locally and internationally. Jens B. Knudsen, chairman of the Kiel Canal Initiative e.V., has warned about the potential loss of the canal's position as a swift and secure transport route, criticising the federal personnel policy as irresponsible and undermining confidence in German maritime infrastructure.
Recently, incidents due to staff shortages, particularly among technical specialists, have been increasing. A temporary lock closure in Kiel-Holtenau occurred due to staff shortages among lock masters, highlighting the urgent need for action. Delays in maintenance and repair work could lead to longer downtimes that negatively impact shipping companies and jobs associated with the canal.
In response to these challenges, the Kiel Canal Initiative e.V. is advocating for solutions that focus on digitalization and the use of remote-controlled vessel technology. Key initiatives include the trial of remote-controlled inland vessels, modernization of the fleet, and closer military-civilian cooperation.
The German government has authorized trials for remote-controlled inland vessels on the German canal network, including the area relevant to the Kiel Canal. This project, which leverages SEAFAR technology, operates vessels with a reduced crew, addressing the shortage of skilled workers by enabling more flexible personnel deployment and allowing skippers to spend more time ashore. During the trial phase, vessels will have a full crew onboard, but the long-term goal is to operate vessels with fewer crew members through remote operations from a central control center, such as the one in Duisburg.
Modernizing the vessel fleet is also considered an important factor to increase the attractiveness of inland waterway shipping as a profession and help retain and attract qualified personnel. Closer military-civilian cooperation, such as enhanced cooperation between the German Navy and civilian agencies like the General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping (GDWS), could help leverage resources, expertise, and support to maintain and secure inland waterway operations like those on the Kiel Canal.
The Kiel Canal Initiative e.V. was founded at the end of 2012 and comprises numerous companies, chambers of commerce, public law corporations, institutions, associations, clubs, and regional authorities. They are committed to ensuring the Kiel Canal remains a vital European transport artery and are in dialogue with shipping companies to find a sustainable solution for staff increases. The initiative calls for an immediate increase in technical staff at the GDWS, including lock masters, to secure the international competitiveness of the canal.
Securing adequate staffing levels is a crucial step in securing the future and operational capability of the canal. The Kiel Canal Initiative e.V. advocates for the functional preservation and future viability of the canal to business, politics, and authorities. A study on the macroeconomic benefits of the Kiel Canal by IfW can be found at this link: [https://our-website/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IfW_Report_NOK.pdf](https://our-website/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IfW_Report_NOK.pdf).
For further questions, Jens B. Knudsen, Chairman of the Kiel Canal Initiative e.V., can be contacted at [email protected].
[1] Source: [https://www.kiel-kanal.de/en/news/kiel-canal-initiative-e-v-calls-for-immediate-increase-in-technical-staff-at-the-general-directorate-of-waterways-and-shipping-gdws-to-secure-the-international-competitiveness-of-the-canal/](https://www.kiel-kanal.de/en/news/kiel-canal-initiative-e-v-calls-for-immediate-increase-in-technical-staff-at-the-general-directorate-of-waterways-and-shipping-gdws-to-secure-the-international-competitiveness-of-the-canal/)
The urgent need for action is reflected in the increasing incidents due to staff shortages, particularly among technical specialists in the industry. To address this issue, the Kiel Canal Initiative e.V. is advocating for solutions that involve digitalization and remote-controlled vessel technology in both finance and transportation sectors.
