Niedrigwasser: Keine Entwarnung – sinkende Pegelstände erwartet

On the Rhine, water levels have dropped to historic lows, but there is no immediate relief in sight. Despite signs of relief, the situation remains precarious. According to predictions, water levels are expected to drop again in the coming days. However, ships may still need to be partially loaded between St. Goar and Mainz, says Fabian Spieß, deputy managing director of the German inland navigation association BDB.

The worsening situation is less severe than in early and mid-August. The slight rise in water levels resulted in increased shipping traffic, explains Spieß. To fully load ships, a water level of about 150 centimeters is required at Kaub, located on the Middle Rhine between St. Goar and Mainz. The stretch is considered a "narrow neck" of the Rhine navigation.

The river was worse off at the beginning of the week, with a level of 73 centimeters, which dropped to 59 centimeters by Wednesday. The Federal Institute of Hydrology and the Waterways and Shipping Administration expect water levels to fall below 40 centimeters at the beginning of next week, but could rise again by early next week.

According to a 14-day forecast, levels could rise slightly afterward. In mid-August, the Kaub level dropped to a record low of 6 centimeters, so historically rare. This led to a halt in freight traffic on the Rhine: cargo ships either could not or only could leave empty. In the second half of August, water levels rose again due to rainfall.