Danube navigation faces serious challenges due to record low water levels, says Serbian minister

The situation on the Danube River is "serious" due to historically low water levels, according to Serbia's Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, Aleksandra Sofronijević. After inspecting the Bezdan Port Authority and Bogojevo Port, Sofronijević emphasized that the safety of people and navigation is paramount and that all necessary measures will be taken.

Specific sections of the Danube, particularly the entry point at Bezdan, have recorded unprecedented low water levels. This has severely complicated navigation, reduced transport capacity, and forced navigation on critical stretches to operate under special regimes with heightened caution. The low water levels have already resulted in three ships grounding near Bogojevo Port and one near Bezdan Port. Minister Sofronijević assured that all crews are safe, accommodated, and supplied with essential provisions.

Following the inspection, the minister held a working meeting with representatives from the water transport sector. They analyzed the current state of navigable waterways, the implementation of emergency measures, and outlined further steps to preserve navigation safety and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of river transport. The focus remains on mitigating the impact of the low water levels and maintaining the flow of goods and people along this vital European waterway.