The economic penalty of sailing around Denmark is real but smaller than the disruptions caused by losing Suez or Panama. Kiel matters because it gives Baltic commerce easier access to major western ports. Without it, ships must use the Danish approaches and accept a longer regional route. Its absence also preserves more leverage for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden over Baltic movement.
Chapter · 33:29-35:19
Kiel's economic gain is Baltic access
The Kiel Canal is less globally transformative than Suez or Panama, but it eases Baltic trade and the passage around Denmark.