Low water levels on the Rhine continue to pressure transports between North Sea ports and the European hinterland. This is particularly important for Switzerland, as Basel is directly connected to Rotterdam, Antwerp, and German Rhine ports via the Rhine.
The Rhine is not fundamentally closed. The practical problem is reduced cargo capacity. When an inland vessel can only load a portion of its normal cargo due to draft restrictions, it requires more trips for the same tonnage. Available space becomes scarcer and costs per container or ton increase.
Status September 19: The situation has not eased but has worsened. The Kaub gauge—the key reference level on the Middle Rhine—was at approximately 25 centimeters on September 19, well below the standard water level (GlW) of 77 centimeters. The Federal Institute for Hydrology expects a further decline to approximately 10 to 15 centimeters by September 23.
Contargo published low water customer information on September 18 with the following values, with the target values in parentheses:
- Emmerich: 6 cm (70 cm)
- Duisburg-Ruhrort: 152 cm (300 cm)
- Cologne: 68 cm (195 cm)
- Kaub: 26 cm (150 cm)
All four gauges are below the thresholds at which the operator's transport obligation ends—Emmerich 30 cm, Duisburg-Ruhrort 180 cm, Cologne 105 cm, Kaub 80 cm. Free agreement applies. A value of minus four centimeters is expected at the Emmerich gauge on September 21; Contargo announces far-reaching operational measures for further declining water levels.
Cargo cannot be arbitrarily shifted to rail or truck. Both modes are already heavily utilized. Additionally, container terminals, chassis, drivers, and rail slots must align. If one connection fails, delays can extend over several days.
Fr. Meyer's Sohn warned in early September that restricted barge capacity remains a critical bottleneck, and the situation is likely to worsen in the short term. Maersk also confirmed on September 9 reduced barge capacity and difficulties for inland terminals in Germany and the Netherlands. Port strikes in early September have since ended and backlogs in German ports are largely cleared; however, the wage negotiation round continues, with a ballot on indefinite strikes running until October 1. Low water thus impacts an already strained system.
Swiss importers and exporters may incur low water surcharges. Such surcharges are calculated differently depending on water level, route, and provider. They should therefore not be accepted as standard but reviewed per shipment. It is also important whether a quote includes guaranteed capacity or only the base transport price.