farled

Farled is a nautical term used especially in Norwegian and other Scandinavian maritime contexts to denote a designated navigable waterway or shipping lane. It refers to the channel through which vessels are permitted and expected to pass when traversing a body of water, such as a river, fjord, or coastal area.

A farled includes not only the physical depth and width of the waterway but also the navigation marks—buoys, lights, and signs—that define the route. It is governed by traffic rules, speed limits, and compulsory reporting requirements that apply to vessels operating within the farled.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Norwegian, combining far (sea) and led (way). In English, farled is commonly translated as fairway or navigable waterway; in maritime practice the concept is closely related to other terms like channel or navigable passage.

Administration: In Norway, the farled is designated and maintained by national authorities, and maritime charts and notices detail the exact alignment, marks, and required procedures. Mariners must follow the marked route and communicate as required when entering or leaving the farled.

Examples: The Oslofjord and certain coastal and inland waterways in Norway have defined farleds within national navigational planning.