Vistula Spit canal, Ship canal in Skowronki, Poland
The Vistula Spit canal runs roughly 1500 meters across the narrow peninsula, linking the Vistula Lagoon directly with the open Gulf of Gdańsk. A lock at the entrance regulates water levels and allows medium-sized cargo ships to pass through the new route to the Baltic.
The idea of cutting through the spit dates back to the 16th century when King Stefan Batory proposed a shorter route between the lagoon and sea. Construction only started in 2019 and finished in autumn 2022, after more than four centuries of planning.
The waterway takes its name from the long sandbar it cuts through between lagoon and open sea. Ships now pass through a modern lock that balances water levels between the bay and the Baltic.
The passage handles cargo ships up to just over 300 feet (about 100 meters) long and roughly 65 feet (about 20 meters) wide. The route saves roughly 60 miles (about 100 kilometers) compared to the previous path.
The excavation created an artificial island within the lagoon that now serves as protected nesting ground for waterbirds. The built-up area was planted with native grasses to secure the habitat over time.
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