The Rhine drops below 10 cm at Kaub, disrupting European oil logistics
Water levels on the Rhine dipped below 10 centimeters Aug. 14, marking a record low at the Kaub chokepoint and threatening to disrupt fuel supply chains across Europe as the key trade artery becomes increasingly unnavigable. The record-low readings at Kaub, the shallowest stretch of the Middle Rhine, are expected to persist through much of ...
On August 14, the Rhine river fell to a historic low of 10 centimeters at the Kaub chokepoint, a critical trade artery in Europe. This record-breaking low level is expected to persist through August, only to slightly rebound on August 23. The previous record low of 25 centimeters was set in October 2018. The reduced water levels are causing severe disruptions to fuel supply chains across Europe, with freight costs from the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub to Basel, Switzerland surging to €276.67/mt.
The Rhine is becoming increasingly unmanageable for large vessels, with only a few barges able to navigate the shallow waters. This has led to motor fuel shortages in four regions of eastern France, forcing German states to suspend Sunday driving bans for lorries to expedite truck deliveries. However, rail alternatives are limited due to the closure of the right-bank Middle Rhine line for major refurbishment.
German economists warn that record-low water levels could shave 0.3 percentage points off Germany's GDP growth this year, while a senior Deutsche Bank economist presents a slightly more optimistic estimate of 0.1-0.2 percentage points. Despite some improvements in weather conditions, German weather service DWD expects no significant precipitation until August 17, leaving the Rhine's low water levels to potentially persist for months.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
