Niedrigwasser: Wasserpegel im Rhein könnte erneut sinken

Düsseldorf - Despite historical low water levels on the Rhine, the situation for shipping has slightly improved, though not without a clear warning. Water levels are expected to drop again in the coming days, according to predictions. However, ships will still need to be partly loaded between St. Goar and Mainz, according to Fabian Spieß, deputy managing director of the German Association of Inland Waterways (BDB).

The disruptions are less severe than at the beginning and middle of August. The slight rise in water levels has led to a significant increase in shipping traffic, Spieß explained. To fully load the ships, a water level of approximately 150 centimeters is required at Kaub, which is located on the Middle Rhine between St. Goar and Mainz.

This section is considered a "narrow neck" of the Rhine shipping route. The BDB noted that the canal is poorly developed. At the beginning of the week, the level in Kaub was 73 centimeters and dropped to 59 centimeters by Wednesday. The Federal Institute of Hydrology and the Waterways and Shipping Administration forecast water levels to be below 40 centimeters at the start of the next week. According to a 14-day forecast, they may rise slightly afterward.