Bridges, construction sites and new rules: In the Netherlands, 2026 will be a test for infrastructure and water sports. An overview of everything skippers need to know now.
An overview of all innovations, changes and obstructions:
Territory update Netherlands 2026:
- Part 1: The North
- Part 2: Around Amsterdam
Alblasserdam
The bridge over the Noord near Alblasserdam will not be open until 31 May. Exception: one opening per week on Fridays at 1 pm. For this, you must book 48 hours in advance by calling +31/ 88/797 08 00, e-mail: rvc-algemeen@rws.nl or on VHF channel 71.
Grevelingen
This discussion comes up from time to time: The Grevelingenmeer could be used to provide more drinking water, including for irrigating fields. To do this, the largest saltwater inland lake in Europe would have to be converted from salt water to fresh water. This would be possible via the Volkerak with water from the Meuse and Waal rivers. A study has now shown once again that this would be theoretically possible, even if it is questionable whether there would be enough water in dry summers. The tests are still ongoing, but implementation is not planned for the time being.
Kanaal Gent-Terneuzen
The canal connecting the Westerschelde with Belgium has been under radio escort since the end of 2025. VHF channel 11 applies from the lock to about halfway along the route, and channel 61 beyond. Yachts should report to the sectors.
Roermond
Flat blocks with moorings are being built on the Roer. The Steelhaven had to make way for this after 40 years of operation. It ceased operations on 31 December 2025, the halls are being demolished and preparations are being made for the construction of the houses. A meeting that brought water sports enthusiasts, the municipality and investors together failed to produce any results for the berth holders.
Geleen
The municipality of Geleen has created new guest moorings on the Julianakanaal. These are located in the Berghaven near the village of Buchten. You are allowed to moor for a maximum of 48 hours. Apart from the jetties, the harbour has no infrastructure.
End of Almanac 2
The popular nautical reference book is no longer being published. The information is now all available digitally, for example in the Waterkaarten app. This marks the end of an era, as many water sports enthusiasts in the Netherlands use the Almanak very intensively. Almanac 1, which essentially contains the Binnenvaartpolitiereglement (BPR), will continue to exist. It is still mandatory to have a BPR on board. However, as long as it can be found or retrieved quickly, a digital version is also sufficient.
Wastewater treatment authorised
It took a long time, but now the Flussguard is the first black water purification system to be officially approved. About the size of a beer crate and installed behind a tank, it can clean toilet wastewater in such a way that it can be discharged into surface water in the Netherlands. In two performance levels, it requires more or less electricity and time. Connected to the engine cooling circuit, the power consumption is drastically reduced. Flussguard.nl
