IJssel river faces one-way shipping restrictions due to low water

Rijkswaterstaat has warned that extremely low water levels on the Boven-IJssel may soon necessitate one-way traffic for shipping. The restriction would apply to the stretch between the Twentekanaal mouth near Zutphen and the IJsselkop near Arnhem. This measure will be implemented immediately if the minimum water depth falls below 1.45 meters, a possibility expected within the coming days.

Due to the narrowing navigation channel, current restrictions on overtaking in bends are no longer sufficient to guarantee safety for two-way traffic. Under the proposed one-way rule, vessels would only be permitted to travel from the Twentekanaal towards Arnhem. Vessels traveling in the opposite direction would be prohibited.

German ships heading north would face a detour of approximately 300 kilometers. The alternative route involves traveling via the Waal to Tiel, using the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal through Amsterdam, passing through the Oranjesluizen and Markermeer to Lelystad, and then navigating via the Houtribsluizen, IJsselmeer, and Ketelmeer to rejoin the IJssel.

The Dutch government has indicated it will not provide financial compensation to businesses, including freight shippers, recreational boaters, or farmers, affected by the low water levels. Minister Vincent Karremans stated that the water shortage is considered an 'entrepreneurial risk' rather than a natural disaster.