Record low Rhine water levels due to heatwave raise economic concerns

Europe is grappling with critically low water levels on major rivers, particularly the Rhine, due to a persistent heatwave. In Cologne, Germany, and Lobith, Netherlands, where the Rhine flows from Germany into the Netherlands, record low levels were measured last week. This situation is mirrored on other vital European waterways, including the Danube, which flows through 10 countries, and the Po River in northern Italy.

European institutions monitoring drought conditions report that the situation remains stable and critical across most of the continent, worsening in Central and Western Europe in mid-July. The current heatwave is expected to continue for at least another week, with temperatures predicted to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in most Central and Southern European countries.

The German Information System for Rivers (NIWS) indicated that at the end of July, 44% of Rhine monitoring stations and 78% of Danube stations showed record low levels. The Rhine, originating in the Swiss Alps and flowing into the North Sea, is a crucial artery for European freight transport. Reduced water levels have raised concerns about potential economic hardship.

The navigational depth at the critical Kaub point near Koblenz, Germany, reached a record low of 25 centimeters on Friday, matching the 2018 level, though it has since slightly improved. This depth is a key indicator for Rhine navigation, determining the maximum cargo weight ships can carry without grounding. The low level at Kaub signifies a severe limitation on river transport.

Martin Wolters of the German Rhine navigation service told German media WDR that a complete halt in traffic is unlikely. Instead, measures like distributing cargo across multiple ships will be implemented, potentially increasing transport costs and causing congestion. Last week, Danube water levels were reported as the lowest in 30 years in several countries, including Serbia, Hungary, and Romania. Hungary was forced to temporarily shut down its only nuclear power plant, Paks, due to the low water levels.

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it is difficult to imagine a complete suspension of traffic, but measures will be taken such as distributing the cargo of one ship over several ships, and this, he pointed out, can lead to higher transport costs and congestion of the waterway.