KIEL ANCH

• Latitude: 54.4992
• Longitude: 10.2748
• Baltic Sea
• Anchorage in Germany

Location: Germany

Kiel Anchorage (KIEL ANCH), Germany

General Overview:

Kiel Anchorage, commonly abbreviated as KIEL ANCH, serves as a prominent maritime port on the Baltic Sea located in the Schleswig-Holstein region of Germany. The port is strategically significant due to its location at the eastern end of the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal), a crucial waterway that connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea.

Key Specifications:

• Location: Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Coordinates: Approx. 54.323° N Latitude, 10.140° E Longitude
• Functionality: Maritime commerce, naval base, ferry terminal, and cruise ship facilities.
• Max Draft: Variable, generally accommodating large vessels with significant draft.

Nautical and Navigational Aspects:

• Water Depth: Depths around the anchorage vary, with deeper sections sufficient for larger maritime vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, and cruise ships.
• Tidal Information: Relatively low tidal variations due to the Baltic Sea's characteristics.
• Protected Anchorage: Kiel Anchorage offers shelter from prevailing winds and is considered a safe harbor in rough weather conditions.
• Pilotage: Compulsory for certain vessels. Pilot boarding areas and transfer points are designated and regulated.

Port Infrastructure:

• Berths and Piers: Multiple berths for different types of vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, and passenger ferries.
• Facilities: Comprehensive facilities for cargo handling, repair, refueling, waste disposal, and other maritime services.
• Cargo Types: General cargo, bulk cargo, containers, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vehicles.
• Passenger Services: Terminal facilities for ferries and cruise ships with frequent routes to Scandinavia and other Baltic destinations.

Special Features:

• Kiel Canal Gateway: The port's proximity to the Kiel Canal enhances its strategic importance for vessels transiting between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
• Naval Presence: The German Navy has a significant presence in the area, with various naval installations and operational facilities.
• Events: Hosts the Kiel Week (Kieler Woche), one of the world's largest sailing regattas and a major maritime festival attracting numerous visitors and vessels.

Connectivity:

• Road and Rail: Well-connected to the German hinterland via extensive road and rail networks.
• Airports: Nearest major airport is Hamburg Airport (approximately 90 km away), providing domestic and international flights.
• Inland Waterways: Direct access to the extensive network of European inland waterways through the Kiel Canal.

Port Services:

• Logistics: Warehousing, distribution services, and modern port logistics services.
• Maritime Services: Bunkering, ship repair and maintenance, pilotage, towage, and dredging services.
• Customs and Immigration: Facilities for efficient processing of customs and immigration formalities.

Environmental and Safety Standards:

• Regulations: Compliance with national and international maritime safety and environmental regulations.
• Sustainability: Initiatives in place for pollution control, waste management, and sustainable port operations.

Overall, Kiel Anchorage (KIEL ANCH) is a vital maritime hub with a range of services and facilities to accommodate various types of vessels, contributing significantly to regional and international maritime commerce.