The Rhine has reached a historic low point at the important Kaub gauge. On July 31st, 25 centimeters were measured in the morning. Exactly this value had last been recorded on October 22, 2018. A week earlier, the gauge had still been at 55 centimeters.
What is unusual is not only the low water level itself, but the timing. Extreme low water conditions on the Middle Rhine normally occur in late summer or autumn. End of July is therefore particularly critical: there are still several warm summer weeks ahead in which drought and high evaporation can further strain the Rhine.
Shipping is still possible. Therefore, a complete standstill cannot yet be spoken of. Economically, however, transport is becoming increasingly difficult. According to market reports, many vessels can now only sail with approximately 20 percent of their usual cargo capacity. For individual ships, only about 250 tons of freight remain for passage at Kaub.
For the same amount of goods, multiple vessels are now required. At the same time, low water and minimum water surcharges are increasing. Costs for tanker transport from Rotterdam to Karlsruhe stood at around 150 to 155 euros per ton at the end of July. At the end of June, it was still approximately 45 euros.
Container services are also affected. Maersk, for example, charges surcharges of 1,335 euros for a 20-foot container and 1,560 euros for a 40-foot container when the Kaub gauge falls below 31 centimeters. Below 81 centimeters, no fixed loading guarantee is provided.
The effects extend into Switzerland. Kaub lies on the most important Rhine connection between the North Sea ports and Basel. Already in mid-July, the Swiss Rhine Ports reported that vessels could only transport 30 to 40 percent of their usual cargo. With the further decline in the gauge level, the situation has deteriorated further.