Nurthaven and Antruusbuurg Canal
The N&A Canal, known formally as the Nurthaven and Antruusbuurg Canal, is a canal constructed by Cranda around 2100 ASC. The canal bisects the Jaaland Peninsula on the northern tip of Apollonia and, as the name suggests, connects from the city of Nurthaven on the east coast to the city of Antruusbuurg on the west coast. The canal is one of the most ambitious engineering projects ever completed on Micras and extends nearly 288km (179mi). Surveyors used a combination of existing waterways and man-made canals to create a navigable water course for shipping in and out of the Clear Sea.
The canal was maintained by several other states succeeding Cranda after its collapse, primarily by Alexandria during their brief tenure through the Diet of the Clear Sea. The canal fell into disuse and neglect when Gralus took over the region, during which time significant siltation occurred and numerous locks became irreparable. In 1699 Lac Glacei laid claim to the canal and began dredging the channel in order to allow shipping traffic to once again utilize an important means of commerce. Meckelnburgh has also cited interest in assisting with restoring the canal as they too have a vested interest in improving commerce within the Clear Sea.
As the course of the canal would cross the frontier of Jääland, as well as block that country's future ability to expand southwards, the move to annex the canal region was brought to the attention of domestic authorities there by the Apollonian Continental Theatre Command of the Raspur Pact and a battalion-sized battlegroup of the Allied Reconstruction Mission in Hurmu airlifted to Hellistelli International Airport so as to provide support.
Despite claims that the canal would cross Jääland, its course does in fact run directly south of their border in unclaimed territory. Lac Glacei has established a 6-to-12km perimeter zone on either side of the canal for security. Assurances have been made to Jääland that provides them unrestricted access to the canal for border crossings and commerce. Lac Glacei has also formally extended recognition of Jääland's sphere of influence over the northern unclaimed portion of the peninsula, granting them the ability to expand there if desired.
