Record-low water levels on the Rhine are forcing steep cutbacks in barge capacity, with direct consequences for container movements between the ARA ports (Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam) and inland terminals across Germany, France, and Switzerland.
At Kaub, the river’s shallowest bottleneck between Koblenz and Mainz, a benchmark gauge fell to 30 centimeters, with authorities expecting it to drop to around 25 centimeters, matching the record low set in October 2018. Traders report that some inland vessels are operating at only 15% to 20% of maximum load, forcing cargo to be split across multiple sailings.
Compounding the challenge is the fact that the freight rail line on the Rhine’s eastern bank is closed for renovation until December 12. Even under normal conditions, rail can only replace a limited share of inland shipping capacity, and surcharges are already active. Ocean carriers have activated low-water pass-through surcharges tied to gauge readings at Kaub, Cologne, Duisburg-Ruhrort, and Emmerich, meaning added costs on inland container legs are already in effect for Rhine-routed cargo.
IAM Member Impact: Members routing containers through European ports into the Rhine hinterland should confirm carrier low-water surcharge terms now, build in extra transit time for barge legs, or plan contingencies. Expect elevated inland transport costs to persist at least through August.
Source: DW Hapag-LLoyd