Low IJssel forces shipping into one-way traffic
Rijkswaterstaat is restricting traffic on the Upper IJssel because the channel is too shallow for ships to pass each other.
One-way traffic will apply on the Upper IJssel from Friday because of low water levels. Ships wanting to sail against the permitted direction must, according to Rijkswaterstaat, take a detour of approximately 300 kilometres.
Rijkswaterstaat has introduced the measure on the section of the IJssel between the IJsselkop near Arnhem and the mouth of the Twente Canal near Zutphen. In some places, the channel has become so narrow and shallow that ships cannot safely pass each other. The regulation will remain in force until conditions improve.
The permitted direction is upstream, from the area around Zutphen towards the IJsselkop. Ships sailing in the other direction can divert via the Waal, the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal, the IJsselmeer and the Ketelmeer. According to Rijkswaterstaat, that route is approximately 300 kilometres longer.
The measure follows earlier restrictions. On parts of the river, overtaking or passing each other was already prohibited. As a result, skippers could carry less cargo. The one-way traffic is intended to preserve access to businesses along the river as far as possible, while keeping shipping safety the priority.
Rijkswaterstaat reported on Friday that water levels on the Rhine and IJssel are lower than normal for this time of year. The water report is based on measurements and short-term forecasts; it does not say that the low level was caused exclusively by climate change. The agency will continue to publish new data daily on current discharge and the river’s development.
For inland shipping, the restriction means extra sailing time, fuel use and planning. The precise costs vary by ship and cargo. The industry association for inland shipping called the measure a necessary evil in comments to NOS: without the restriction, ships could not safely pass each other on critical sections of the river.
The situation also highlights a broader dilemma. Dry periods affect not only nature and agriculture, but also logistical infrastructure. Water managers must weigh the interests of safety, drinking water, nature, shipping and the regional economy at the same time. Whether the low water levels persist in the coming weeks will depend on new rainfall in the river basin and discharge from Germany.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Rijkswaterstaat has introduced one-way traffic on the Upper IJssel because of low water levels and a channel that is too narrow for ships to pass.
- Ships travelling in the other direction may have to take a detour of approximately 300 kilometres.
- Rijkswaterstaat records water levels and produces short-term forecasts based on measurements and weather data.
Left
Arguments The measure is a logical consequence of climate adaptation: safety and nature should not repeatedly give way to maximum navigability. Investments in cleaner logistics, regional storage and rail transport could reduce inland shipping’s vulnerability.
Values Protection of the living environment, public infrastructure and long-term resilience.
Consequences The costs of taking a longer route and carrying less cargo should not fall solely on skippers or local residents; the government should invest in adaptation and sustainability.
Centre
Arguments Rijkswaterstaat must act on the basis of measurable navigational safety while also limiting economic damage. A temporary, proportionate measure with daily reviews is the most institutionally defensible approach.
Values Safety, practicability, continuity and careful water management.
Consequences There will be higher costs temporarily, but a controlled restriction prevents greater damage from accidents or a complete closure.
Right
Arguments Inland shipping is an essential economic link and should be hindered by regulations as little as possible. The priority should be rapid investment in channels, infrastructure and water supply, not structural restrictions on transport.
Values Economic freedom, accessibility and efficient use of taxpayers’ money.
Consequences Long-term restrictions can affect businesses and consumers; the government must demonstrate that measures are effective and do not go further than necessary.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The measure, the route and the reported low water levels have been confirmed by Rijkswaterstaat and independent reporting. Climatic causes have deliberately not been presented as established fact.
- confirmed One-way traffic applies on the Upper IJssel from 25 September. — Rijkswaterstaat announced the measure. source
- confirmed Ships may have to take a detour of approximately 300 kilometres in the other direction. — Rijkswaterstaat describes the diversion route; NOS and DutchNews report the same order of magnitude. source
- confirmed The Rhine and IJssel had lower water levels than normal on 25 September. — Rijkswaterstaat’s current water report. source
- confirmed The duration of the measure depends on conditions improving. — The measure is linked to navigational safety and water depth; no end date has been published. source
Editor's note
The traffic measure and the low water levels have been directly confirmed by Rijkswaterstaat. The duration of the restriction and the precise economic damage remain uncertain.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- NOS — „ijssel rijn”
- Het Parool — „ijssel rijn”
- de Volkskrant — „ijssel rijn”