Significantly fewer ships use the Kiel Canal - Kiel Canal Sees Fewer Ships but Bigger Cruise Vessels in 2025

The Kiel Canal saw fewer ships and less cargo in 2025, yet larger vessels, including cruise ships, dominated its waters. A total of 22,262 boats passed through the canal—nearly 10.5% fewer than the previous year. Despite this drop, the waterway remains vital for both trade and leisure, with over 10,000 recreational craft recorded in the same period.

Cargo volumes fell sharply in 2025, with ships transporting around 69.5 million tons—down from 75.6 million tons in 2024. The decline has been linked to sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted trade routes.

Though fewer ships used the canal, their size increased. Gross tonnage rose from 5,688 in 2024 to 5,750 in 2025, suggesting a shift toward bigger cruise ships. However, no detailed data on individual ship sizes was made available.

Investment in the canal reached €246 million in 2025, the second-highest amount in decades. Of this, €71 million came from the federal government for maintenance and operations. A key project under way is the construction of a fifth lock chamber in Brunsbüttel, expected to open by late 2026.

Beyond commercial traffic, the canal also served 10,685 recreational boats in 2025. This highlights its dual role in supporting both the economy and leisure activities.

The Kiel Canal's performance in 2025 reflects broader trade challenges, particularly from geopolitical tensions. Larger cruise ships are now more common, even as overall traffic declines. With major infrastructure projects in progress, the canal's future capacity and efficiency remain a focus for authorities.