News / Rhine closure imminent as low water hobbles freight movement by barge

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Low water levels have led to “chaos” on Germany’s River Rhine, with barges moving at just 20-30% of capacity due to draught limitations and things set to deteriorate even further.

Yesterday, Contargo confirmed the water level on the Kaub Gauge had fallen to 47cm – the lowest for four years – with forecasts suggesting it will keep falling next week and that the Rhine will close to barge traffic.

Metro Shipping MD Grant Liddell told The Loadstar: “This is critical, as a ...