Rhine at record low: freight traffic barely moving

Water levels on the Rhine have plunged to an unprecedented low, disrupting freight flows along one of Europe’s busiest inland transport arteries, official data show. At the Kaub measuring point the river fell to just 6 centimetres overnight and was recorded at 8 centimetres this morning; the previous low was 25 centimetres in 2018.

The German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) reported the drop as Europe continues to be affected by a heat wave. Shippers have already rerouted a large share of cargo that normally moves by barge onto trucks and trains, stretching overland transport capacity.

The Rhine carries chemicals, fuel, raw materials and other goods that feed manufacturing and energy supply chains across the continent. Companies say the shallow draft is already causing interruptions in German industry and warn of higher transport costs, delays and reduced output.

Economic risk if low flows persist

Researchers at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy estimate that if water levels near Kaub remain below 78 centimetres for 30 days, industrial production could fall by about one percent. That threshold is being watched closely because it marks a level where larger barges cannot operate at normal loads.

Authorities and logistics firms face the twin challenge of managing limited navigable stretches while keeping supply chains moving by alternate means. The shift to road and rail increases costs and congestion and may not fully replace the volume normally carried on the river.

For now, monitoring agencies continue to publish level readings and shipping restrictions; the longer the heat-driven low flows persist, the greater the risk of sustained disruption to European industry and commerce.

Photo: press material from the event