UWE ARNDT

German industry changes tack as river Rhine runs drier

German industry is looking for alternative transportation methods as the Rhine continues to experience low water levels, negatively impacting freight shipping. The Rhine is an essential commercial route for up to 80% of German inland goods transportation. The decreased levels have caused a drop in the river’s capacity to the equivalent of 150 lorries and is concerning for firms dependent on river transportation, such as chemical makers Covestro and BASF. Both companies have responded by chartering low-water barges to transport raw materials and finished goods.