rssAug 28, 2026, 09:02

Staff shortage: night shipping on Amsterdam-Rhine Canal impossible for dozens of vessels

The Amsterdam-Rhine Canal will close to large vessels and those carrying hazardous goods at night starting next week due to a shortage of traffic controllers at Rijkswaterstaat. The staffing crisis, worsened by illness and difficult recruitment, has forced these restrictions to ensure safe navigation on one of the world's busiest canals.

The Amsterdam-Rhine Canal will restrict nighttime transit for larger vessels starting next week due to a critical staff shortage at Rijkswaterstaat. Ships exceeding 135 by 11.5 meters, as well as those transporting hazardous materials, will be prohibited from navigating the waterway between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. This measure aims to maintain safety, as the canal is among the world's busiest routes and currently lacks sufficient traffic controllers to manage night operations. Approximately dozens of vessels are impacted nightly, though they remain permitted to moor within the canal boundaries.

Rijkswaterstaat faces ongoing challenges in staffing, compounded by high rates of employee illness. Recruiting qualified personnel is difficult, and the required two-year training period makes a quick resolution unlikely. The organization acknowledged the negative impact on the inland shipping and logistics industry but emphasized that this closure is the safest available option. Efforts to restore standard scheduling are underway, but the duration of these restrictions remains uncertain until adequate staffing levels are achieved.

Economy Business Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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