Amsterdam port businesses warn Rhine Canal night restrictions threaten cargo flows

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Amsterdam’s port business community has warned that overnight restrictions on larger vessels using the Amsterdam Rhine Canal could disrupt cargo flows and damage the reliability of one of the Netherlands’ most important inland shipping corridors.

From September 1, Rijkswaterstaat will reduce vessel traffic services during nighttime hours in the Maarssen and Wijk bij Duurstede sectors because of persistent staffing shortages. The restrictions will apply between 22:00 and 06:00.

The measure affects vessels larger than 135 metres by 11.5 metres, or above CEMT Class Va, as well as certain vessels carrying hazardous substances. The affected section stretches from kilometre 0 to kilometre 68.9.

Amsterdam business association ORAM said the port community had been caught off guard by the decision and warned of potentially significant economic consequences.

The organisation said inland shipping, terminals and Amsterdam port companies operate around the clock, making an eight hour nightly restriction particularly difficult to absorb.

ORAM called on Rijkswaterstaat and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management to withdraw the restriction or urgently develop alternatives.

It also criticised the measure for having no announced end date. For operators planning vessel rotations, terminal windows and connections with onward transport, an indefinite restriction makes scheduling considerably more difficult.

The Amsterdam Rhine Canal provides the principal inland shipping connection between Amsterdam and the Rhine corridor, making the restrictions relevant far beyond the capital.

Industry concern is particularly strong among tanker operators. Royal Inland Shipping Netherlands has described the measure as unacceptable, arguing that losing eight operating hours every night will have substantial consequences.

The organisation estimated that an average tanker generating about €6,000 in daily revenue could face an income reduction of roughly 30% if operations are repeatedly interrupted.

Rijkswaterstaat said safety remains the deciding factor. Without sufficient qualified traffic controllers, certain vessels cannot be allowed through affected sectors overnight under existing safety requirements.

The restrictions therefore create an unusual bottleneck. The canal itself remains physically available, but staffing constraints effectively remove part of its capacity for eight hours every night.

For Amsterdam’s 24 hour logistics sector, that distinction offers little comfort when vessels, cargo and terminal schedules still have to wait.