# Low river levels still limit shipping to and from Germany

> Rijkswaterstaat, the national roads and waterways agency, says this summer's long drought is still affecting shipping, nature and water quality in the Netherlands.

Climate · published 2026-10-28 05:32 · https://nlnow.nl/a/rain-lifts-rhine-and-maas-but-river-flow-stays-low/

Rain over the past two weeks has sent more water down the Rhine and the Maas again, Rijkswaterstaat says in its latest drought monitor. Even so, the flow in the large rivers remains low for the time of year.

The effects of the long drought remain noticeable for shipping, nature and water quality. Significantly less freight than normal is still being transported to and from Germany, Rijkswaterstaat says. Navigation depth restrictions remain in force, and longer waiting times at locks continue.

## Background

- **Rijkswaterstaat**: Rijkswaterstaat is the Dutch government agency responsible for the country's main water and road infrastructure. It operates under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and manages the national motorways, the main waterways and the large rivers, and the water defences along the coast and rivers. It also monitors water levels and river discharge, which is why it publishes the drought monitor reports on the state of the large rivers.

From NLnow, news from the Netherlands in English. How stories are made: https://nlnow.nl/about/