Heatwaves and drought have led to significantly low water levels on major European rivers like the Rhine and the Danube, adversely impacting shipping and raising costs. Key waterways are experiencing drastic reductions in capacity; vessels are sailing half full and facing surcharges on freight rates. In Germany, the Rhine, crucial for transporting nearly 200 million tons of cargo annually, has already seen disruptions. Meanwhile, the Danube's low levels in Hungary are limiting agricultural shipping, as vessels operate at only 30-40% capacity. Other rivers in Europe, like the Vistula, are also seeing record low water levels, compounding the issue.
Low water levels after heatwaves and drought are limiting shipping on some of Europe's biggest rivers, including the Rhine and the Danube, and pushing up transport costs.
Ship operators have imposed surcharges on freight rates to compensate for vessels not sailing fully loaded, which increases costs for cargo owners.
In Poland, the water level in the Vistula has fallen to its lowest ever recorded level in Warsaw due to prolonged high temperatures and little rainfall.
Unusually low water levels on the Danube in Hungary are affecting shipping and agriculture, forcing cargo ships to operate at only 30-40% capacity.
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