Due to the ongoing lack of rainfall, water levels along the Rhine are decreasing significantly. The key measuring point for inland waterway transport, Duisburg-Ruhrort, has recorded a continuous drop in recent days, with forecasts indicating values below 180 cm. Similar developments can occur along the entire Rhine, resulting in increasingly challenging navigation conditions throughout the river.
At low water levels, barges can only operate with reduced drafts and therefore must load fewer containers per voyage. To move the same transport volume, more barge trips are required. This results in higher operational costs per container. These additional costs are reflected in a low water surcharge applied by the barge operators and passed on to their customers.
The calculation of the surcharge is based on the water level measured at 05:00 on the day of departure at the relevant gauge. The surcharge is tiered by trade area and container size and can change at short notice if water levels continue to fall. The Rhine is divided into several sections, each with its own draft situation and corresponding surcharge level.
Please note that depending on the barge operator and the inland terminal, surcharges can differ. Consequently, the actual surcharge level for your transport may vary according to the routing and terminal used.
These surcharges apply to barge and barge–road transports used for pre- and on-carriage via the Rhine between seaports in the North Sea range and inland terminals in Germany, France and Switzerland.
For further information or any questions, please contact your FMS representative. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
