Shipping is facing growing disruption as falling water levels reduce navigable depths. On Wednesday, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management said that drought conditions in the Netherlands are worsening as river discharges and groundwater levels continue to decline. Shipping is facing growing disruption as falling water levels reduce navigable depths, prompting additional restrictions on waterways. Last week, the Eefde Lock, which provides access to the Twente Canal, was closed to shipping due to persistent drought and the ongoing heatwave. On July 16, the ministry raised the country’s water status from an “imminent water shortage” to an “actual water shortage” as persistent drought and high temperatures continued to strain national water resources.