One-way shipping traffic returns to the Boven-IJssel as water drops

Rijkswaterstaat, the national roads and waterways agency, has reintroduced one-way traffic on the Boven-IJssel, between the IJsselkop and Zutphen. The measure took effect on Wednesday at 9.00 because of low water levels. Inland ships may now only sail upstream.

Skippers heading for the Twentekanaal via the IJssel must again take a detour. That means longer journeys for ships carrying goods to and from businesses in Twente.

One-way traffic had been lifted earlier this week, when the minimum measured depth on the Boven-IJssel reached 1.45 metres. Less rain fell than expected, and the water level dropped below that value again, so the measure had to be reinstated, Rijkswaterstaat said. Sluis Eefde stays open with no limit on the number of lockings.

Rijkswaterstaat spokesperson Thijs Scheres said the agency lifts restrictions whenever water levels allow, even if only for a few days. "If they can sail a shorter route, that benefits businesses and shipping," he said. He said that if ships try to pass each other where the water is too low and one runs aground, "we are worse off".

The dry period is not over, Rijkswaterstaat said, and it continues to monitor water levels. The shipping measures may be adjusted if levels change. The outlook is poor for now: forecasts show the Rhine, which enters the Netherlands at Lobith, will carry even less water.