nuSep 3, 2026, 12:35

Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to remain open for shipping at night after all

Rijkswaterstaat has reached an agreement with the inland shipping sector to keep the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal open at night, canceling previously planned closures. To ensure safety, shipping companies have committed to stricter adherence to navigation rules, including a reduced speed limit of 15 kilometers per hour in narrower sections.

The Amsterdam-Rhine Canal will continue to operate for shipping at night following an agreement between Rijkswaterstaat and the inland shipping sector. The decision to keep the waterway open comes after industry representatives, including Koninklijke Binnenvaart Nederland, strongly opposed an earlier proposal to close the route at night due to staffing shortages. The initial plan had drawn criticism for its potential impact on shipping terminals and storage facilities, with the industry threatening legal action to prevent the closure.

To ensure safety without dedicated nighttime traffic control, the inland shipping sector has committed to stricter compliance with existing navigation rules, such as speed limits and overtaking bans. In narrower sections of the canal, the maximum speed will be reduced to 15 kilometers per hour. Rijkswaterstaat stated that while these measures do not replicate the safety standards of professional traffic guidance, they significantly reduce the risk of accidents. The agency continues to monitor the situation and retains the authority to close the canal in the future if safety standards are not upheld by operators.

Economy Business Amsterdam Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

The 100-year history of Hema is quintessentially Amsterdam

The Dutch retail chain HEMA is celebrating its 100th anniversary since opening its first store in Amsterdam in 1926. The company, known for its household goods and the popular rookworst sandwich, has evolved over the century to serve a diverse range of customers.

Rembrandt House Museum struggles with falling visitor numbers due to rising hotel VAT and tourist tax: ‘This policy is killing us and the entire city’

Amsterdam's cultural sector is voicing strong opposition to rising tourist taxes and VAT increases, which are blamed for a significant drop in international museum attendance. The Rembrandthuis is among the institutions facing financial strain due to these policies and a negative shift in public attitude toward visitors.

Growth in number of female directors at listed companies stagnates

The growth of female executive board members at companies listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange has stalled, with current trends suggesting gender parity in these roles will not be reached until 2044. While supervisory boards have successfully met mandatory quotas, the pace of new female appointments to executive boards remains stagnant.

British bank Barclays to cut thousands of jobs due to AI

Barclays plans to cut thousands of jobs to reduce costs and increase efficiency through the use of artificial intelligence. The announcement follows disappointing third-quarter financial results, particularly within the bank's bond trading division.

House prices dip slightly again, but buying remains expensive

Existing home prices in the Netherlands fell by 0.4 percent in September compared to August, though they remain 2.9 percent higher than the previous year. While the rate of price growth has slowed, houses are still significantly more expensive than they were during the peak in 2022.