Full closure of the Twente Canals requires urgent action from the Dutch government

Economic impact on Twente

The full closure of the Twente Canals means that companies are being forced to move their freight transport onto the roads. This results in higher transport costs, longer delivery times and increased pressure on logistics chains. For internationally operating businesses, reliable infrastructure is a fundamental requirement when choosing a location.

Ank Bijleveld-Schouten, Chair of the Twente Board:

“Twente is a leading economic region with a strong industrial base. Businesses must be able to rely on dependable infrastructure. The current situation directly affects entrepreneurs and also damages confidence in our region as a business location. It is therefore essential that clarity is provided quickly regarding the repairs and the outlook for the period ahead.”

Clarity and a clear outlook are needed

The Twente Board emphasises that it understands the measures taken by Rijkswaterstaat in response to the exceptional drought conditions. For that very reason, it is important that clarity is provided as soon as possible about the duration of the closure, the timetable for repairs and the outlook for the period ahead.

The Twente Board also expresses concern about the decision-making process. Businesses, Port of Twente, regional authorities and other stakeholders have been confronted with a far-reaching decision without timely communication, without any predictable basis on which to plan and without clear scenarios for the period ahead. This has created significant uncertainty and has made it virtually impossible for businesses to prepare adequately for the consequences.

According to the Twente Board, the impact extends beyond the direct effects on individual companies. Twente is currently the only region in the Netherlands where a key inland waterway has been completely closed. This puts both the accessibility of the region and confidence in Twente as a business location under pressure.

In its letter to the Minister, the Twente Board is therefore calling for urgent clarity regarding the duration of the closure and the timetable for repairs. It also asks the government to actively inform businesses and regional partners, work together on a coordinated approach and investigate measures that could help limit economic damage.

Looking beyond the short term 

In addition, the Twente Board stresses that attention must be given not only to short-term repairs but also to structural solutions for the future. The current situation demonstrates how vulnerable critical infrastructure can be during prolonged periods of drought. The Twente Board therefore advocates a sustainable and future-proof approach to the Twente Canal, ensuring that the accessibility of the Twente region remains safeguarded in the long term.

“Twente makes a significant contribution to the Dutch economy. It is therefore in the interest of both the Netherlands and our region that accessibility via the Twente Canals is restored as quickly as possible. Businesses are entitled to clarity and a clear outlook for the future.”