Record drought chokes Dutch waterways: one-way shipping on IJssel, Rhine at historic low

The Netherlands is facing unprecedented low water levels on its major rivers as a persistent summer drought continues to bite. For the first time in history, Rijkswaterstaat (the national water authority) has imposed a one-way shipping restriction on the IJssel river, while the Rhine at Lobith has plummeted to a new record low. A Dutch cruise ship even briefly ran aground near Cologne. Here is what the situation means for the Netherlands — and for you if you live here.

What is happening on the rivers?

On Friday morning, Rijkswaterstaat closed a stretch of the IJssel between Zutphen and Westervoort to northbound traffic (DutchNews, 24 Sept). The navigation channel has become too shallow and narrow to allow vessels to pass each other safely — at some points the depth is just 1.45 metres. Ships heading from Germany to the IJssel must now take a 300-kilometre detour via Amsterdam and the IJsselmeer (NL Times, 24 Sept).

Meanwhile, the Rhine at Lobith — the point where the river enters the Netherlands from Germany — dropped to 6.1 metres on September 28, beating the previous record of 6.12 metres set in August (DutchNews, 28 Sept). The flow rate fell below 600 cubic metres per second for the first time on record. A Dutch cruise ship, the Dutch Melody (carrying 140 passengers), became stuck near Cologne where the navigable depth was only about 1.5 metres. It was freed with assistance from another ship and is expected to arrive in Nijmegen later on Monday.

Why does this matter for expats and internationals in the Netherlands?

Inland shipping is the backbone of Dutch logistics. About 80% of the country’s freight — from building materials, fuels, and grains to consumer goods — moves via rivers and canals. When ships cannot carry full loads, or must take long detours, costs rise. Koninklijke Binnenvaart Nederland, the sector’s trade body, says operators have already been forced to carry half or even one-third loads for weeks (DutchNews, 24 Sept). Spokesman Andries de Weerd told NOS: “We’ve been taking half or even one-third loads, and now we’re having to take the long route round, so unfortunately the costs are going to go up a little.”

Those extra costs are likely to trickle down to shop shelves and construction sites — so if you are already dealing with high inflation, this may add pressure on prices for imported goods. The restrictions also affect ferries and river cruises, a popular activity for tourists and residents alike. Several ferries across the Rhine and IJssel have been suspended, and cruise itineraries are being shortened or cancelled.

How long will this last?

Rijkswaterstaat has said the one-way restriction on the IJssel will remain in place until water levels in the Rhine rise again. Forecasts, however, are not promising: rainfall in the Alps remains scarce, and dry weather is expected to persist in the coming days. River levels may drop further. If you rely on river transport for your work, or if you are planning a river cruise, check with operators and Rijkswaterstaat’s online water level updates (at www.rijkswaterstaat.nl).

The big picture: a symbol of climate change?

While summer droughts in the Netherlands are not new, the speed and intensity of the current drying — with record-low flows on both the Rhine and IJssel — have caught authorities off guard. The one-way restriction on the IJssel is a first in the history of Rijkswaterstaat, which dates back to the 18th century. The Dutch are world leaders in water management, but even they cannot conjure rain. For now, the nation’s rivers are running on empty.