In
order to meet the increasing traffic
and of course also the expanding German
naval interests, the canal's cross-section
was considerably increased between 1907
and 1914. The enlargement projects were
completed by the installation of each
two larger locks in Brunsbüttel and
Holtenau.
The waterway was always a political
issue. After the First World War, the
Treaty of Versailles set out regulations
that in effect internationalized the
canal while leaving it under German
administration. Since the Second World
War the canal is following the practice
of being open to all traffic again.
On 20st June 1995 the 100th anniversary
of the Kiel-Canal was celebrated. The
highlight of the celebrations was again
a convoy of ships travelling from Brunsbüttel
to Holtenau now led by the German sail
training ship 'Gorch Fock'. She was
followed by the British Royal yacht
'Britannia' and more than fifty ships
of different types representing over
20 nations.
Besides some widening and dredging
projects especially since 1965 the
canal has not changed its major features
since the first widening until 1914.
Although officially re-named Nord-Ostsee-Kanal,
it is nowadays internationally better
known as the Kiel-Canal.
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