GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jul 18, 2026
Low Water Surcharge (LWS)
When water levels at reference gauges such as Kaub or Duisburg-Ruhrort fall below defined thresholds, inland waterway operators apply a Low Water Surcharge (LWS), also known in German-speaking markets as Kleinwasserzuschlag (KWZ).
Quick Answer
Last updated:
Source: https://www.contargo.net/en/business/auxiliary-conditions/low-water
Category
Logistics Concept
Reading time
1 min
Words
160
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
When water levels at reference gauges such as Kaub or Duisburg-Ruhrort fall below defined thresholds, inland waterway operators apply a Low Water Surcharge (LWS), also known in German-speaking markets as Kleinwasserzuschlag (KWZ). The surcharge compensates for reduced vessel utilisation: with a reduced loading draught, an inland vessel can only take on part of its usual cargo, so more vessel capacity is needed to move the same volume of goods. The amount is tiered according to the water level and quoted per container or per tonne; on the Rhine, many tiers apply below roughly 150 centimetres at the Kaub gauge. For shippers, the surcharge represents hard-to-plan additional costs that can significantly increase the total freight rate for hinterland transport during pronounced low-water periods – up to a complete suspension of inland navigation and transshipment to rail or road. Not to be confused with the high water surcharge, which is applied when upper limit levels are exceeded and bridge clearance becomes restricted.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
Related News
Operational Alerts
Twentekanaal: Maersk nennt 178 Euro Umleitungszuschlag
Oct 27, 2026371 min
Operational Alerts
Rhine Low Water Levels Impact Hinterland Traffic to Basel and Rotterdam-Antwerp
Oct 24, 20265781 min
Operational Alerts
Water Level at Kaub Below Zero: Inland Vessels Must Severely Limit Cargo
Oct 1, 202628741 min
Operational Alerts
Partner
More Freight Trains Between Cologne and Basel
Sep 9, 202627031 min
Operational Alerts
Partner
Switzerland: Petrol and Diesel Supply Strained Due to Rhine and Hormuz
Aug 19, 202654471 min
Operational Alerts
Rhine Shipping at Limit: Kaub at Only 11 cm – Surcharges Skyrocket
Aug 14, 202678212 min
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.