The end of shipping traffic on the Rhine is threatened by drought. Water levels continue to fall.
The water level on the Rhine has recently fallen further due to the hot summer weather and the lack of rainfall. The water level at the Kaub narrowing near Koblenz in Germany is particularly low: the reference water level is only 56 centimetres. But ships need about 1.5 meters to drive fully loaded.
“Keep going while you can”
“We will continue, but can only load about 25 to 35 percent of the ship’s capacity,” said Roberto Spranzi, director of the shipping cooperative DTG, which operates about 100 ships on the Rhine. “This means that customers often need three ships to carry their cargo – instead of just one. We will continue as long as navigation is possible.”
German industry, plagued by material shortages, high energy costs and a weakening global economy, threatens with new problems. Inland shipping is an important means of transport for energy sources.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
