Traffic Management and Lock Operation
The Traffic Control Center North-East Sea Canal/ Kiel Canal (NOK) in Brunsbüttel with the lock operation station Kiel-Holtenau is responsible for the safe and quick passage of ships through the North-East Sea Canal. Annually, about 30.000 vessels of commercial shipping and additionally about 15.000 recreational craft pass through the NOK during the summer months. The nautical personnel in the traffic control center not only face the challenge of locking the vessels in and out of the lock groups, but they also aim to guide them safely and quickly through the NOK.
Lock Operation
With the help of information about length, width, and draft as well as merging prohibitions, the lock masters distribute the incoming ships among the total of four lock chambers. Merging prohibitions exist, for example, for passenger ships and ships with certain dangerous goods. When planning the lock occupancy, it must be noted that the ships can better dock on the port side (left side) or better on the starboard side (right side) according to their maneuvering characteristics, in order to make stopping and securing in the lock as safe as possible.
Another important component of the lock occupancy planning is the optimal deployment of the available lock deck personnel (mooring crew), who receive the ship’s lines, lay them on the lock bollards, and thus ensure the safe mooring of the ships. For a smooth and safe lock operation, a permanent contact with the ship’s management or the pilot is required.