Drought Closes Twentekanaal: Maersk Implements Contingency Surcharge for Inland Barges

07 Aug 2026

Due to the ongoing drought conditions in the Netherlands, Dutch authorities have announced the temporary closure of the Twentekanaal for inland navigation. As a consequence, inland barge services to and from Hengelo and Almelo are currently disrupted

To ensure continuity of service, Maersk has implemented an alternative routing solution via Nijmegen Inland Terminal. This contingency arrangement results in additional transportation and handling costs.

Temporary Twentekanaal Contingency Surcharge

Effective immediately and until further notice, the following surcharge will apply:

Direction	Charge Description	Amount
Export	Landside Contingency Origin	EUR 178 per container
Import	Landside Contingency Destination	EUR 178 per container

Applicability

• Import and export cargo moving via Hengelo and Almelo.
• Effective immediately for all impacted shipments.
• Applicable until the Twentekanaal reopens and regular barge operations are restored.

Important Notice Regarding Low Water Surcharge

The Low Water Surcharge (LWS) remains applicable in accordance with Maersk's previously published Low Water Advisory and methodology. The contingency surcharge described in this advisory is separate from the LWS and reflects the additional costs associated with the temporary alternative routing solution via Nijmegen.

The low water situation is an exceptional and unforeseeable situation that is beyond our control and cannot be predicted, neither severity nor duration. We will do our utmost to manage the cargo flows efficiently throughout.

We appreciate your understanding and support.

Should you have any questions, please contact your local Maersk representative or visit our website for the latest updates.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.