Why are shallow banks in the southern North Sea hazardous for ships?

The shallow banks in the southern North Sea are hazardous to ships primarily because they are shifting in nature and have been reworked by strong tidal currents.12

These banks, which are believed to be of glacial origin, create serious navigational challenges due to the region's overall shallow depth, which measures less than 120 feet (35 meters). Because these elevations rise close to the surface, they function as shoals, posing a direct risk to maritime traffic. The danger is further compounded by the North Sea's frequent storms and powerful currents, which make navigating around these irregular, submerged features particularly treacherous for vessels.123