by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

Low levels of rainfall in northern Europe have prompted new measures for barge traffic at the Rhine River.

Water levels have fallen continuously in the past weeks, especially at Kaub and Duisburg-Ruhrort.

The water level prompted the authorities to adjust charges at these points and barge operators have had to limit the amount of cargo they can load.

Several operators, including container carrier MSC, announced imposing a low water level surcharge.

In an advisory, MSC classified the situation as "Force Majeure" and applied charges for all barge and barge-road transports as of Saturday, 9 November 2024.

MSC mentioned that the new measures impact barge or barge-road transports from or to the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam to Germany, France, and Switzerland via the Rhine River.

Feeder services between Antwerp and Rotterdam remain unaffected. The duration of the new measures remains subject to weather conditions in the region.