Cargo ships are not able to navigate a large part of the Rhine in Germany when fully loaded, as dry weather has caused a drop in water levels. However, rain is expected in southern Germany this week, which could increase the water levels once again.
As Reuters reports, traders have informed that from Duisburg and Cologne to south Germany, the Rhine is far too shallow to allow normal sailings.
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This means that ship operators impose surcharges on freight rates for cargo owners.
The Rhine is considered a vital shipping route for commodities like grains, minerals, coal and fuel products including heating oil.
German companies had experienced supply bottlenecks and production problems in 2018, as a drought and heatwave resulted in unusually low water levels on the Rhine.
Nonetheless, more rain is expected in river catchment areas in southern Germany later this week, a development that could raise water levels.
