Dürre in Deutschland: Diese Bilder zeigen, wo Trockenheit und Niedrigwasser die Wirtschaft treffen

In the German city of Kaub along the Rhine, the drought and low water levels have become a significant economic challenge. The city is split by the river, with water levels dropping to just six centimeters, the lowest since detailed records began. Barges can no longer navigate below this mark, and the Binnenschifffahrtsverband, a barge transportation association, announced that no traffic is possible with such low levels.

Some ships are still in transit, with captains deciding whether to continue on their own. From a satellite perspective, it's clear that the water level has been decreasing over the weeks, and sandbars are more visible on the riverbed. Barges now only reach as far as the Cologne area, supplying refineries and chemical plants with raw materials, and returning cargo to Rotterdam.

Even these lower levels are the highest in recent history, but they're still manageable for smaller or low-water ships. Companies like Thyssenkrupp and the Duisburg steelworks, which rely on river transport for raw materials, are experiencing reduced production capacity. The steel industry, in particular, is adjusting its production to consume incoming raw materials more slowly.

Duisburg, with the largest inland harbor in the world, is currently recording a water level of 129 centimeters, a record low. Some rain is expected to begin along the Rhine at the start of the week, but the forecast predicts further water level declines. Covestro, a chemical company, is also facing supply issues. The company produces in the chemical parks of Leverkusen, Dormagen, and Krefeld, and is affected by low water levels.

BASF, Germany's largest chemical company with a headquarters in Ludwigshafen, has experience with low water levels and has developed specialized low-water ships, but there are limits to their capabilities. Ludwigshafen accounts for about 40 percent of the Rhine's traffic under normal circumstances. BASF is trying to shift traffic to rail and trucks whenever possible, but alternatives are limited due to high demand for trucks and containers.

The lack of alternatives makes low water a significant economic burden, especially for industries already struggling. Agriculture is another major sector impacted by the drought. The farmers' association warned of massive harvest losses, including below-average wheat and rapeseed crops, and severe problems with potatoes, sugar beets, corn, and soybeans.

Joachim Rukwied, president of the farmers' association, noted that the lack of feed is becoming a significant problem, especially in southern Germany. Reports of cow slaughters due to feed shortages are increasing. Irrigation for entire fields is only an option in a few cases, as it's expensive, they don't have enough equipment, and conflicts with local water providers are rising.

While temperatures are expected to drop slightly the following week, the only help farmers and industries along the rivers will receive is rain, which is still scarce.