# Water Level at Kaub Below Zero: Inland Vessels Must Severely Limit Cargo **Category:** Operational Alerts | **Source:** ELWIS (Wasserstrassen- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes) | **Published:** 2026-10-01 | **Updated:** 2026-10-22 **Tags:** Rhein, Kaub, Niedrigwasser, Binnenschifffahrt, Basel, Barge, Tiefgang, Niedrigwasserzuschlag, Logistik News, Transport News, Fracht News, Speditions News, Supply Chain News, Zoll News, Frachtportal News, Seefracht, LKW Transport, Schienentransport, Digitalisierung, Zoll > Kaub reported minus 2 centimeters. The Rhine is not dry, but inland vessels can now carry significantly less cargo. --- The low water situation on the Rhine has become critical once again. The official gauge at Kaub stood at minus 2 centimeters on September 27th. The following day, approximately 3 centimeters were recorded again. Kaub is particularly important for freight shipping because the shallow Middle Rhine section determines the possible cargo capacity of many vessels. The gauge reading is often misunderstood. Zero centimeters on the gauge does not mean zero centimeters of water in the river. The gauge zero point is a defined reference height. Captains and shipping companies use this together with vessel data to determine how much draft is still possible. In practical terms, the current situation means: vessels can continue operation in some cases, but must carry significantly less cargo. For the same quantity of goods, more trips or additional vessels are required. This increases the cost of transporting mineral oil, chemicals, construction materials, and containers. Low water surcharges are also becoming more likely. For Switzerland, this issue is particularly sensitive. A large portion of imported goods for the Basel region comes via the Rhine. When barges can carry less, pressure increases on rail terminals and truck capacity. This is compounded by possible waiting times at transshipment facilities and tank storage terminals. --- Dispatchers should verify barge bookings not only by departure but by confirmed cargo quantity. Shippers need alternatives via rail and truck as well as clear rules for surcharges. Empty container returns can also experience delays. In short: The Rhine is navigable, but every additional kilo of cargo becomes more difficult and more expensive. --- Kaub reported minus 2 centimeters on September 27, 2026. The following day, the measured value was back at around 3 centimeters. A negative water level value does not mean the Rhine is dry. The gauge zero point is a defined reference elevation. Ships can only operate with reduced draft and less cargo. More trips increase costs and tie up capacity. Rail and truck services are in higher demand as alternatives. ## Related Entities ### Countries - [Belgium](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/be) - [France](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/fr) - [Germany](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/de) - [Netherlands](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/nl) - [Switzerland](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ch) ### Seaports - [Rotterdam (NL RTM)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/rotterdam-port-nl-rtm) - [Antwerpen (BE ANR)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/antwerpen-port-be-anr) ### Glossary - [Supply Chain](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/supply-chain) - [Inland Waterway Transport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/inland-waterway-transport) - [Low Water Surcharge (LWS)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/low-water-surcharge-lws) - [Draft](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/draft) --- *Canonical URL: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/news/pegel-kaub-unter-null-binnenschiffe-muessen-ladung-stark-begrenzen-20260929173436](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/news/pegel-kaub-unter-null-binnenschiffe-muessen-ladung-stark-begrenzen-20260929173436)* *Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/news/en/pegel-kaub-unter-null-binnenschiffe-muessen-ladung-stark-begrenzen-20260929173436](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/news/en/pegel-kaub-unter-null-binnenschiffe-muessen-ladung-stark-begrenzen-20260929173436)*