Requires Immediate Expansion of GDWS Personnel for Seamless Navigation Through North Baltic Waterway (Kiel Canal)
Take Heed, Maritime World! The Kiel Canal Initiative rings the alarm bell: Jens B. Knudsen, chairman of the Kiel Canal Initiative e.V., sounds a dire warning about a potential crisis brewing at the General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) that could jeopardize the North-East Sea Canal (NOK), a lifeline for Germany and Europe's maritime economies.
The NOK plays a crucial role as the shortest link between the North and Baltic Seas, providing swift, cost-effective, and more climate-neutral transport routes vital for trade and industry. Delays in its lock operations, due to staff shortages, have far-reaching consequences, both locally and on an international scale.
"We're running out of time. We need to act fast to secure the future of the NOK and maintain Germany's critical role as a hub in international maritime traffic," says Knudsen.
Recent months have brought a surge in incidents attributed to personnel shortages, particularly among technical specialists. These shortages have resulted in delays and disruptions that carry severe economic ramifications beyond the region. The closure of lock facilities, like the one in Kiel-Holtenau, threatens the efficiency and reliability of the world's busiest artificial waterway.
The North Sea-Canal Authority is working diligently, but the strain from the staff shortages is becoming unbearable. Knudsen emphasizes the urgency, "Time is ticking away. The NOK can't afford to lose its standing as a fast and secure transport route any longer."
The initiative is demanding an immediate increase in technical staff at the GDWS, including lock masters who play a pivotal role in operating lock facilities. Adequate staffing is fundamental to ensuring swift and efficient handling of maritime traffic, thereby maintaining the canal's international competitiveness.
Welcoming the recent decision to suspend the GDWS's annual blanket reduction of 1.5% of posts in 2024, Knudsen is disappointed that the GDWS will not be able to submit its annual staffing requirements. He sees this as an inexplicable move, especially given the aging maritime infrastructure and growing demands. "This federal personnel policy undermines confidence in German maritime infrastructure and is frankly irresponsible," warns Knudsen.
https://our-website/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IfW_Report_NOK.pdf
The focus extends to accelerating and prioritizing upcoming maintenance and repair work. Delays in these crucial measures could lead to extended downtime, affecting shipping companies and jobs related to the canal. "We're in dialogue with many shipping companies to find a sustainable solution," Knudsen states, gone are the days of giving it a pass, "Our demand is clear: The federal government must provide the necessary funds for immediate staff increases."
Long-term investments in vocational training and making jobs in this sector more appealing are essential for competitive German shipping locations. The Kiel Canal Initiative e.V. remains steadfast in its commitment to keeping the NOK a vital European transport artery by ensuring adequate staffing levels and thereby securing the canal's operational capacity.
Founded at the end of 2012, the Kiel Canal Initiative e.V. is a united force that comprises dedicated advocates for the NOK. Its members include numerous companies, chambers of commerce, public law corporations, institutions, associations, clubs, and regional authorities. To learn more about the initiative's efforts, connect with Knudsen at [email protected].
Enrichment Insights:
- The General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) is battling staff shortages affecting inland shipping operations, likely creating potential disruptions for canals like the NOK.
- To counteract the shortage of skilled personnel, GDWS is exploring innovative technological approaches, including remote-controlled vessels, to improve operational efficiency and attractiveness of inland shipping.
- By implementing remote control technology, GDWS aims to maintain or increase operational capacity of critical waterways like the NOK, mitigate labor shortages, and improve safety and environmental standards.
The North Sea-Canal Authority's efforts to mitigate staff shortages, particularly among technical specialists, are crucial to maintaining the NOK's international competitiveness in business and finance. Despite the GDWS's investigation into remote-controlled vessels, a steady increase in lock masters and adequate staffing is indispensable for swift and efficient handling of maritime traffic.
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