Heat Wave Lowers Rhine River Levels Disrupting Freight Shipping

A heat wave in western Europe has significantly lowered water levels on Germany's Rhine River, particularly between Duisburg and Cologne, including the critical chokepoint at Kaub, restricting cargo vessels to sail at only 40-50% capacity. This limited capacity forces freight carriers to impose additional surcharges and use multiple ships to transport the same load, raising shipping costs for cargo owners and causing wholesalers to reduce purchases to avoid extra expenses. The Rhine is a vital shipping route for commodities such as grains, minerals, ores, coal, and oil products, making these disruptions impactful on supply chains. Experts forecast continued high temperatures, with Cologne potentially reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, and no immediate improvement in water levels is expected, which may further exacerbate transport difficulties. Similar conditions last summer caused supply bottlenecks and production problems for German companies due to prolonged drought and heat waves. The ongoing environmental challenges highlight the vulnerability of key European waterways to climate extremes and their repercussions on commerce.