rssAug 31, 2026, 18:35

Rijkswaterstaat stands firm: nighttime shipping restrictions on Amsterdam-Rhine Canal will proceed

Rijkswaterstaat will implement nighttime shipping restrictions on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal starting tomorrow due to critical staff shortages. The measure bans large vessels and those carrying hazardous materials from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, a decision that has sparked significant opposition and threats of legal action from the shipping industry.

Rijkswaterstaat has announced that nighttime access restrictions on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal will proceed as planned due to ongoing personnel shortages. Starting tomorrow, the canal will be closed daily between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM for ships exceeding 135 meters in length, 11.5 meters in width, or those transporting hazardous materials. This decision will affect dozens of vessels each night out of the estimated 100,000 ships that navigate the waterway annually.

The industry organization Koninklijke Binnenvaart Nederland (KBN) has strongly opposed the move, labeling it disproportionate and poorly justified. While emergency discussions were held to explore alternatives such as speed adjustments or additional patrol vessels, Rijkswaterstaat stated that these options require further investigation before they can be implemented. KBN argues that imposing the most severe restrictions before finalizing alternatives is unacceptable and has indicated plans to pursue legal action. Rijkswaterstaat acknowledges the significant impact on the logistics chain and maintains it is actively searching for ways to lift the restrictions as staffing levels permit.

Economy Business Amsterdam Netherlands

Read original ↗

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

New strike in regional transport: fewer buses and trains on Thursday

Regional transport workers in the Netherlands are set to hold another strike this Thursday, leading to reduced bus and train services. This action is part of an ongoing dispute over a new collective labor agreement, with unions planning weekly walkouts until Christmas if negotiations remain unresolved.

Not just IDFA: Amsterdam’s wider cultural sector hit by rising hotel costs as tourist tax hike drives away key visitors

Amsterdam's cultural sector, including major events like IDFA, ADE, and the Holland Festival, is struggling due to rising tourist taxes and hotel VAT. These increased costs are forcing organizers to raise ticket prices and reduce programming, threatening the accessibility and quality of the city's cultural offerings.

Private landlords are renting out fewer properties in the city: "A problem for students"

Private rental properties in Amsterdam have decreased by 18 percent in three years as landlords sell their units due to new rent control laws and increased taxation. While this shift favors buyers, it creates a significant housing crisis for students and individuals who cannot afford to purchase property in the city.

Vacancy | NU.nl is looking for a social economy and healthcare reporter

NU.nl is hiring a reporter specializing in social economy and healthcare to produce original, investigative stories for its audience. The full-time position requires three years of experience and is based in Amsterdam-Duivendrecht.

New setback for Zuidasdok: further delays and major concerns over funding

The Zuidasdok infrastructure project in Amsterdam faces significant delays and a funding shortfall of over one billion euros, leaving the completion of critical tunnels uncertain. Local officials are concerned that the lack of national financial commitment will cause years of construction disruption and threaten the economic stability of the district.