High temperatures in Europe have been impacting water levels on Germany’s Rhine River and creating challenges for cargo transport.

The decline in water levels follows a summer heatwave and reduced rainfall in western Europe. These conditions have led to a sharp fall in river levels, limiting vessel loading and affecting transport operations.

Low waters in the Rhine are preventing cargo vessels from sailing fully loaded, leading to higher costs and surcharges to offset reduced carrying capacity.

According to Reuters, the situation is affecting the Rhine south of Duisburg and Cologne, including the key section at Kaub.

In these conditions, ships are able to operate at only around 20% of their normal load, which necessitates that cargoes be divided across several partly loaded ships.

Analysts said the low water levels are adding pressure to Germany’s economic recovery as the Rhine remains an important route for the movement of raw materials, fuel products and manufactured goods.