Rhine Low Water Levels Impact Hinterland Traffic to Basel and Rotterdam-Antwerp

Low water levels on the Rhine, particularly at Kaub and in the Duisburg-Ruhrort area, are currently severely restricting inland navigation. According to an assessment published on October 15, 2026, by Gunther Ginckels (SeasC4U), this represents one of the most serious Rhine shipping disruptions since the historic low water event of 2018. In Duisburg-Ruhrort, Europe's largest inland port, only around two-thirds of the usual loading capacity is currently available, as barges cannot be fully loaded due to insufficient draft. Some services near Kaub have been temporarily suspended; however, a complete closure of the Rhine does not exist. Hinterland traffic connecting Rotterdam and Antwerp with the inland ports of Basel and Duisburg is particularly affected. According to expert assessments, 15 to 30 percent of the affected cargo has no sufficient alternative capacity available even with intensive use of trucks. Those wishing to switch to rail must reckon with lead times of up to six weeks for additional slots, while trucking requires approximately two weeks. Rotterdam Port Authority emphasizes that the seaport itself continues to operate at full capacity; inland barge volumes remain relatively stable year-on-year. The bottlenecks are therefore not in Rotterdam itself, but further upstream on the Rhine. Antwerp is named as an additional connecting port for affected hinterland traffic, but not as an independently disrupted location. Freight forwarders and shippers with Rhine hinterland connections should reserve alternative rail and truck capacity early and prepare for higher low water surcharges and storage fees due to delayed transhipment.