Duisburg port busier than usual despite Rhine low water

The inland port of Duisburg, a major European logistics hub, is navigating a paradox: despite critically low water levels on the Rhine River, ship traffic has surged beyond normal levels. The extreme drought conditions mean vessels can carry significantly less cargo to avoid running aground, forcing them to make more frequent trips and reducing their turnaround time in port.

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At normal water levels, about 280 to 300 ships per week would call at the port. Currently, we are at the peak with 400 to 450.

Normally, the Duisburg port handles between 280 and 300 ships weekly. However, during this period of low water, the port is seeing up to 450 ships at its peak. This increase in frequency is a direct consequence of reduced carrying capacity; some ships that would typically transport 3,000 tons are now carrying only 300 tons. Consequently, ships spend only about 2 hours in port, compared to the usual 10 to 14 hours, making way for the next vessel.

This heightened activity, while boosting ship numbers, creates its own set of challenges. Fewer berths are available as some ships cannot proceed further upriver, for example, to Cologne-Godorf. The port's operating company acknowledges the tense situation, highlighting the strain on infrastructure and logistics.

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Some ships are now carrying only 300 tons instead of 3,000 tons. Instead of 10, 12 or 14 hours, the ships are currently only docked for 2 hours. Then the next ship is already arriving.

Despite the current difficulties, there is cautious optimism regarding a potential improvement. Joachim Holstein, the company representative for inland navigation, indicated that projections suggest a slight recovery in water levels is expected, partly due to anticipated rainfall. This outlook offers a glimmer of hope for a return to more stable operating conditions at the vital Rhine waterway.

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Due to the precipitation, we expect a slight recovery in the forecast.