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The Baltic Sea is a vital body of water for passing trade in Northern Europe. However, in order for trade to pass through to the Atlantic Ocean ships must pass through narrow channels close to Denmark and Sweden. While in friendly time this isn’t an issue, the Baltic Waterways are the only passage for ships to exit the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, including for Russian ships leaving large, strategically important ports like St. Petersburg – a particular problem recently with the Russian conflict with the West due to their invasion of Ukraine. To exit the Baltic Sea directly to the Atlantic Ocean there are 4 waterways.
For other maps on shipping routes, see previous posts on the Alaska Marine Highway System and the Arctic Bridge!
See the interactive Google Map at the bottom of the post!
Three key facts about this map
The Danish Straits are considered international waterways
Despite the fact that three of the four pathways out of the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic Ocean are within Danish territory, these passages are technically international waters, which mean they don’t belong to any country’s particular jurisdiction and are free for passage by friend or foe (per the Copenhagen Convention of 1857). Technically, military ships are not included, though Russia recently pushed the bounds by sending ships through the Great Belt route, underneath the Great Belt Bridge.
Denmark offers “ship pilot” services through the Baltic Waterways, but has been complicated recently
Because of the variable winds and narrow passages, Denmark offers “ship piloting” services to passing vessels by captains that know the terrain. While this is offered as a service, it is not an obligation. The recent chilling of relations with Russia has led the EU to bar any assistance or aid to Russian trade of oil and gas.
This has put Denmark in a predicament – abide by the EU regulations and not assist lawfully passing Russian ships, or offer piloting services and avoid a potential “Exxon Valdez of the Baltic”.
The Kiel Canal is the only man-made Baltic Waterway connection
Other than through the international water passages via Denmark, the Kiel Canal is the only other way to exit the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. The canal itself is entirely within Germany and unlike the Danish Strait passages is not considered an international waterway. The canal is one of the most-passed canals in the world, with about 90 ships per day passing in either direction.
Additional links and sources
- Report on Russian vessels passing the Great Belt route (link, published in 2022)
- Denmark’s predicament of offering piloting services (link, published in 2022)
- Information on the Kiel Canal (link, published in 2021)
Have you ever been to Denmark and seen ships passing through the Baltic Waterways?
See other places around the world Globe Charting has featured!
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