nuSep 3, 2026, 12:35

Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to remain open for shipping at night after all

Rijkswaterstaat has reached an agreement with the inland shipping sector to keep the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal open at night, canceling previously planned closures. To ensure safety, shipping companies have committed to stricter adherence to navigation rules, including a reduced speed limit of 15 kilometers per hour in narrower sections.

The Amsterdam-Rhine Canal will continue to operate for shipping at night following an agreement between Rijkswaterstaat and the inland shipping sector. The decision to keep the waterway open comes after industry representatives, including Koninklijke Binnenvaart Nederland, strongly opposed an earlier proposal to close the route at night due to staffing shortages. The initial plan had drawn criticism for its potential impact on shipping terminals and storage facilities, with the industry threatening legal action to prevent the closure.

To ensure safety without dedicated nighttime traffic control, the inland shipping sector has committed to stricter compliance with existing navigation rules, such as speed limits and overtaking bans. In narrower sections of the canal, the maximum speed will be reduced to 15 kilometers per hour. Rijkswaterstaat stated that while these measures do not replicate the safety standards of professional traffic guidance, they significantly reduce the risk of accidents. The agency continues to monitor the situation and retains the authority to close the canal in the future if safety standards are not upheld by operators.

Economy Business Amsterdam Netherlands

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

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