Drop in water levels in European rivers to 30-year lows raises freight costs and delays deliveries

Water levels in Europe's rivers are falling rapidly. The Danube and Rhine have fallen to 30-year lows, and in some areas even below the abnormally dry summer of 1976. Extreme heat is accelerating evaporation, which is lowering water levels in rivers and lakes and depleting soil moisture. At the same time, forecasts do not promise an improvement in the near future.

Record low water levels in the Po River (Italy's longest river) are making it difficult to irrigate fields across much of the country, threatening the agricultural sector.

Shallow rivers reduce hydroelectric power generation and shipping opportunities as cargo ships are only partially loaded or flights are canceled altogether. Scientists warn of the risks of rising energy and food prices.

Water levels in Germany's Rhine have risen slightly from a record low last week, but are expected to continue to fall, Reuters reported, warning that the river is an important route for transporting grain, ore, coal, minerals and petroleum products, including gasoline.

According to the WSV water transport agency, the navigable depth at Kaub near Koblenz reached 25 cm on Friday (repeating the record low of 2018), but rose to 29 cm on Monday. The river is almost 1 m deeper than the navigable depth, so cargo ships continue to move.

However, due to low water levels, ships are only loaded to 20% capacity, which increases costs for shipowners. Cargo is distributed among several ships, which increases costs for the country's industry.

The rains over the weekend were very light, and the heat next week will continue to lower the water level. According to the WSV forecast, the navigable depth in Kaub will drop to 20 cm on Thursday.

The increasing cost of river transportation is forcing shippers to look for alternative road or rail routes.

According to traders, the cost of transporting cargo by tanker barges from Rotterdam to Karlsruhe has increased from €45/t to €145-150/t or $167-172.8/t in a month.