Rhine River in Cologne faces historic low, threatening shipping

Water levels on the Rhine River in Cologne are projected to hit a historic low of 67 centimeters this Saturday, according to Markus Neumann, an official from the Water and Shipping Office Rhine. This figure would mark a new record since measurements began, surpassing the current low of 69 centimeters.

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For the Cologne gauge, the estimate for this Saturday (August 1) is 67 centimeters.

While the main shipping channel in Cologne would still have 1.78 meters of water depth, the shallow river poses significant challenges for freight transport. Neumann explained that cargo ships require at least 30 centimeters of water beneath their keels. Consequently, many vessels will be forced to operate with substantially reduced cargo capacity.

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This would be a new low since the start of the gauge records.

The situation is particularly dire for large tankers, which may become unable to navigate the Rhine altogether due to the critically low water levels. This impending crisis highlights the vulnerability of vital European shipping routes to drought and climate change.

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A cargo ship needs at least 30 centimeters of water under its keel.