ports

Rhine Drought Pushes Freight to Congested Roads as Barge Levels Fall

Inland waterway transport across Northern Europe faces disruption as water levels on the Rhine fall below navigable thresholds during an ongoing European drought. Barge operator Contargo reported the Kaub gauge dropped to 53 centimeters, triggering a €120-per-teu low-water surcharge. Operators have halted most movements on critical stretches. The collapse of barge capacity is diverting cargo volumes to already-strained road networks. The Oosterweel project near Antwerp has created additional bottlenecks, with significant congestion reported on the R1, E313, E34, and A12 routes. Terminal operators warn the situation threatens network-wide performance across all transport modes. Reduced vessel draught on the Meuse and Waal rivers continues to accelerate trucking demand toward Antwerp and Rotterdam.