Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why are large ships restricted in The Sound between Denmark and Sweden?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Map showing the physical features, major cities, and national boundaries around the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and English Channel regions of northern and western Europe. The map highlights coastal countries including the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia, with sea depths indicated and key islands, peninsulas, and underwater trenches labeled. — Baltic Sea The Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and the English Channel.

Large ships are restricted in The Sound because of the strait's limited depth. The channel restricts vessels to a maximum draft of 41 feet (12.5 metres). Due to these physical constraints, larger vessels that cannot navigate the strait typically call at Gothenburg, which serves as a major port for the region.1