Higher than average water levels on the Rhine River have been causing transport problems for some European crushing companies, AgriCensus reported.
At the bottleneck of Kaub, water levels were recorded at 521cm – significantly higher than average – and causing logistical problems, the 21 November report said.
“Barges have difficulties in berthing since the berths are covered with water,” a source told AgriCensus, adding that some vessels were having trouble getting under bridges due to high water levels.
Shipping was also blocked from passing Maxau on the Upper Rhine, where water levels of 760cm were recorded on 20 November, the report said.
Industry sources had mixed opinions on the impact this could have on the crushing industry which, like many German industries, uses the Rhine to move goods to and from plants, according to the report.
“We see problems – but not yet severe problems, more like delays,” one source said.
“For our line of trade, a lot is lifted by truck and rail as well, so it is not entirely dependent on barges, but it is, of course, a worry.”
Other sources had less concerns, with one telling AgriCensus they “don't see any main issues for German crush[ing], as most of the German crush[ing] industry is along the Rhine River but further up north.”
According to local weather forecaster Wetterdienst, drier conditions were expected in the week of the report following a wet November when some regions experienced twice the average rainfall rate.
At the time of the report, the German Waterways Electronic Service (ELWIS) was forecasting lower water levels by 23 November, when levels at Kaub were expected to be 472cm-508cm.
In recent years, low – rather than high – water levels had affected logistics on the Rhine with, for example, last year’s dry summer causing disruption as heavily laden ships risked scraping the bottom of the river or being stranded, AgriCensus wrote.
