Water shortages and drought conditions in some parts of Europe have forced several countries including France, the Netherlands and England to close some canals and waterways with navigation only possible for shallow-draft vessels, according to a report from the Cruising Association.

Published 9 hours ago

European Canal Closures – from 1 July 2025

Source:  Cruising Association

In France, the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne is closing because of shortage of the water. Much of the Canal de Bourgogne is restricted in depth and the Canal du Centre is closed for the whole season; with many other routes also affected by water shortages and weed, north/south routes through France are currently available only to shallow-draft vessels.

Other European waterways are also closed, including the Standing Mast Route in the Netherlands on both routes south of Amsterdam due to a bridge failure – the western route is due to reopen during July.

Canal Closures in England

Across the English Channel,  the BBC is reporting that Lock gates along parts of the Leeds-Liverpool canal in Yorkshire have been closed after water levels dropped due to a lack of recent rainfall.

The Canals and River Trust said lock use has been suspended between Wigan and Gargrave and on the Five Rise Locks at Bingley.

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Related News:

• Low Water Levels push up shipping costs on European Waterways (The Guardian)
• Europe’s Vital Waterways Experience Severe Disruptions as Heatwave Persists (MFAME)
• Drought Over Large Parts of Europe Raises Concerns (EU Science Hub)
• Canal Locks Closed due to lack of Rainfall (BBC)

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