Together with other natural channels, it provides a route between the ports of Nynäshamn and Södertälje avoiding the requirement to pass offshore of Landsort, although today it is only used by leisure craft.

In the 13th century, when the water level then was three meters higher than today,[1] Draget was a strait between the island of Järflotta and the mainland.

It was passable by sailing vessels, and the passage was documented by Valdemar Sejr, who passed through the strait on the way to his crusade in Estonia.

But the canal continued to become shallower, and in the late 19th century it was necessary to dredge it further.

Some unconfirmed rumors suggest the canal has been passable for boats as deep as 2.2 meters.