by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

A report by German media Deutsche Welle highlighted that Europe has been experiencing weeks of persistent dry weather.

The unusually dry climate this spring, coupled with insufficient snowmelt in the Alps, is beginning to impact water levels at Lake Constance,

Deutsche Welle says the current level at the lake is nearing its lowest point in 30 years, as reported by water measurement authorities in Baden-Württemberg.

Similarly, the Rhine River, Europe's most crucial and busiest inland waterway, which originates in the Alps and flows through Lake Constance, is also experiencing low water levels.

Local transporter Contrago advised that the authorities observed a continuous decline in water levels over the past few days.

On 9 April 2025, the water level in Kaub was recorded at 85 cm. Forecasts suggest that the Rhine's water level in Kaub will continue to drop.

The transporter's ability to operate normal cargo levels on the river expires if the water level in Kaub falls below 81 cm, making it difficult to guarantee container delivery dates.

Severe low water levels could lead to the closure of some chokepoints, eventually delaying container transport on the river.

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