Volga–Baltic Waterway
Series of canals and rivers in Russia / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For a medieval trade route, see Volga trade route.
Quick Facts Specifications, Length ...
Volga–Baltic Waterway | |
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Specifications | |
Length | 229[1] miles (369 km) |
Maximum boat length | 689[2] ft 0 in (210.0 m) |
Maximum boat beam | 57.75[3] ft 0 in (17.6 m) |
Maximum boat draft | 4 m[3] |
Locks | 7[4][3] |
Status | Open |
History | |
Former names | Mariinsk Canal System |
Construction began | 1960 |
Date of first use | 5 June 1964 |
Date completed | 1964 |
Geography | |
Start point | Rybinsk Reservoir, Russia |
End point | Gulf of Finland, Neva Bay, Russia |
Close
The Volga–Baltic Waterway (Волгобалт), formerly known as the Mariinsk Canal System (Мариинская водная система), is a series of canals and rivers in Russia which link the Volga with the Baltic Sea via the Neva. Like the Volga–Don Canal, it connects the biggest lake on Earth, the Caspian Sea, to the World Ocean. Its overall length between Cherepovets and Lake Onega is 368 kilometres (229 mi).
Originally constructed in the early 19th century, the system was rebuilt for larger vessels in the 1960s, becoming a part of the Unified Deep Water System of European Russia.
The original name "Mariinsky" is the credit to Empress Maria Feodorovna, the second wife of Emperor Paul I of Russia.[5]