The high temperatures and lack of rainfall for weeks have drained the river, which is Germany’s trade artery, causing delays in shipments and higher shipping costs.
Economists said such disruption could reduce economic growth in Europe’s largest economy this year by half a percentage point.
The water level at Kaup Point, near Koblenz, stood at 1.04 meters on Monday, up seven centimeters during the day, maintaining its recent high after dropping to just 32 centimeters earlier in August.
Ships need a water level of about 1.5 meters at Kaup to sail with full loads.
“I don’t think we will see a crisis this week, but the weather forecast indicates a major drought in the coming days, and water levels are expected to drop again… Low water problems are likely to continue until September,” one of the brokers said.
The Rhine is a major shipping route for commodities, including grain, minerals, coal and petroleum products, including heating fuel.
About Author
