LOW water levels following recent dry weather are preventing cargo vessels from sailing fully loaded on Germany's rhine River, leading to surcharges on standard freight rates, reports Reuters.
Shipping is being disrupted along the entire stretch of the river south of Duisburg and Cologne, including the critical chokepoint at Kaub, they noted.
With vessels unable to carry full loads, operators are applying surcharges to offset the reduced capacity, raising transport costs for cargo owners.
The shallow conditions are a result of unusually dry weather in March, which left water levels too low for normal operations.
Forecasts point to continued dry weather in the river's catchment areas over the coming week, offering little hope for immediate improvement.
The Rhine is a vital transport corridor for commodities such as grains, minerals, ores, coal, and oil products, including heating oil.
A similar situation occurred in the summer of 2022, when drought and extreme heat caused historically low water levels, disrupting supply chains and production for many German companies.
SeaNews Turkey
Shipping is being disrupted along the entire stretch of the river south of Duisburg and Cologne, including the critical chokepoint at Kaub, they noted.
With vessels unable to carry full loads, operators are applying surcharges to offset the reduced capacity, raising transport costs for cargo owners.
The shallow conditions are a result of unusually dry weather in March, which left water levels too low for normal operations.
Forecasts point to continued dry weather in the river's catchment areas over the coming week, offering little hope for immediate improvement.
The Rhine is a vital transport corridor for commodities such as grains, minerals, ores, coal, and oil products, including heating oil.
A similar situation occurred in the summer of 2022, when drought and extreme heat caused historically low water levels, disrupting supply chains and production for many German companies.
SeaNews Turkey
