The Dortmund-Ems Canal is a man-made waterway in Germany that connects the cities of Dortmund and Ems in Lower Saxony. Completed in 1899, it spans approximately 225 kilometers and serves as an important transportation route for goods, linking the Rhine and Elbe river systems. The canal features several locks and bridges, allowing ships to navigate through varying elevations. It plays a crucial role in regional trade and has contributed to the economic development of the surrounding areas, facilitating the movement of raw materials and finished products across the country.