Low Rhine water levels raise concerns for shipping

High temperatures and scant rainfall this summer has led to a decline in water levels of the Rhine, a major river connecting the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) oil hub to German ports to the south along the river.

Flowing from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, the river provides a key route for ships to transport a range of commodities including energy products.

A fall in water levels could prevent barges from transporting fuel oil and gasoil to between ports along the river. Shallow water levels make sailing difficult for ships, particularly for cargo vessels, which would have to carry lighter loads while sailing.

The German Federal Institute of Hydrology has said that vessels are forced to reduce loads at certain stretches on the Rhine.