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Low Rhine Water Levels Compound Barge Service Disruptions Across Europe

Inland barge operations face mounting pressure as water levels on the Rhine River fall to critically low thresholds, compounding existing capacity constraints. The Kaub gauge currently sits at 110 centimeters, with forecasts predicting a decline to 100 centimeters within the week. The 2023 threshold of 150 centimeters triggered surcharges; barge operator Contargo previously imposed €75 per teu and €90 per feu charges when levels reached 101 centimeters. Rising temperatures are driving the seasonal decline. The Rhine's four operational gauges—Duisburg, Emmerich, Kaub, and Koln—maintain different capacity thresholds. Industry sources cite growing skepticism among shippers regarding inland waterways as a viable alternative to rail and road transport, citing poor service reliability, terminal congestion, and escalating surcharge structures. Multiple barges operate underutilized, worsening efficiency concerns. Sources indicate that while stakeholders recognize congestion at inland terminals as endemic, they remain unwilling to collaborate on solutions such as shared space allocation to reduce vessel numbers on the water.