TERNEUZEN – Lock restrictions have been reintroduced at the North Sea Locks in Terneuzen from the morning of Thursday, 24 September 2026. Persistent drought and limited water inflow from Flanders are causing water levels in the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal to fall rapidly. To retain the available water for as long as possible, the number of lock operations is being limited, resulting in additional waiting times for shipping.
The first restriction came into effect on Thursday morning. Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, is adjusting the measures gradually in response to changes in the canal’s water level.
The aim is to minimise disruption to shipping while retaining the available water in the canal for as long as possible.
The restrictions affect vessel operators and businesses that depend on reliable access to the canal and the ports of Terneuzen and Ghent.
Further restrictions expected next week
With little rainfall forecast in Flanders, Rijkswaterstaat expects that the restrictions will need to be expanded during the week beginning 28 September.
The authority is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating the measures with the parties involved. It is not yet known how long the restrictions will remain in place.
Current conditions can be monitored through the Drought Monitor of the Netherlands Water Management Centre. Information specifically concerning shipping is available on the Drought Monitor – Shipping page.
