2 weeks ago

Rhine water levels fall again, raising cargo shipping costs

The Rhine is an important river used to move goods in Germany and Europe.

This week, mostly dry weather made the river shallower.

Ships cannot carry as much cargo when the water is low.

Companies must use more ships or move some goods by road and rail.

That has made shipping more expensive.

Tanker prices from Rotterdam to Karlsruhe rose sharply compared with last week.

The water level at Kaub was about 21 centimeters on Friday.

Officials do not expect a big improvement next week, although rain could keep levels from falling further.

Key facts

Kaub water gauge: About 21 centimeters on Friday, down from 34 centimeters on Monday and 50 centimeters the previous week.
Tanker transport price: About €165-€170 per ton from Rotterdam to Karlsruhe, compared with around €100 the previous week.
Expected conditions: No major improvement is expected in the coming week; possible rain could keep levels near current readings.
Shipping impact: Vessels are sailing part-loaded, and cargo loads are being distributed among several ships.
Alternative transport: More freight has shifted to road and railway transport.
Industrial impact: German companies have faced higher transport costs, logistics bottlenecks and curbed production.
River importance: The Rhine is a vital route for grain, metal ores, coal and refined oil products.

theprint.in · 2 weeks ago