The 171 meter long, 20316 dwt container ship Empire collided with the 139 meter long, 13059 dwt container ship Herm Kiepe in the Kiel Canal near the locks at Brunsbüttel, Germany.   The Empire was entering the canal when struck the Herm Kiepe which had been waiting to enter the locks.  The Empire suffered hull damage on its port side while the Herm Kiepe suffered only minor damage.  No reports of injuries on either vessel.  Several containers  on the Empire were damaged including three containers that fell overboard.   One container landed onto the bow of the Herm Kiepe while the others fell into the canal.   Traffic was stopped to large vessels while authorities dispatched vessels with sonar equipment to search for the missing containers.  The Empire proceeded to Brunsbüttel where water police detained the vessel while they conduct an investigation.   The Herm Kiepe was allowed to proceed on its voyage to  Hamburg.   The Empire was en route from Hamburg heading for Gdynia.