SHPPING COMPANIES ARE IN TROUBLE BECAUSE OF THE CRITICAL LEVEL OF THE RHINE RIVER

Shipping companies are preparing to stop transporting goods on the Rhine, as water levels in Germany's largest river approached a very low level on Saturday.

The persistent drought affecting much of Europe has lowered river levels such as the Rhine, preventing large, heavily laden vessels from crossing major transit points and forcing shipping companies to use smaller vessels.

The water level at a narrow point, which is near the town of Kaup on the Middle Rhine, reached 37 cm on Saturday afternoon. This prevented the passage of large and heavy ships, which could not pass if the level fell below 40 cm.

Although the depth of the cargo lane in Kaupp is still about 150 cm, experts say that passage will become difficult even for light or specially modified cargo ships if the water level falls below 35 cm. Cargo ships cannot pass if the reading is less than 30 cm.

Shipping authorities expect to reach this level early next week, although it is not clear if the water drop reaches the record level of 25 cm which was set in Kaupe in October 2018.

Transport and logistics company Contargo said on Friday it was preparing to halt shipping in the Upper and Central Rhineland for safety reasons and plans to transport some of its cargo by truck. However, road and rail freight capacity is still limited.

Companies along the Rhine, which rely on ships to transport raw materials and finished goods, are expected to face delays and shortages. Coal-fired power points and gas stations are also expected to run into shortfalls if shipping on the Rhine stops.