What is the current water level at Kaub, Germany, and why is it significant?

The water level at Kaub, Germany — the Rhine’s shallowest point — has fallen to the lowest since records began in 1880, currently at a clearance level of 14 cm; this is critically significant because it severely restricts barge navigation, with some industry actors declaring the river effectively impassable there, and because a gauge reading of 14 cm corresponds to a navigable fairway depth of only about 1.27 meters, forcing vessels to carry significantly lighter loads or switch to rail and road transport.

How are major industrial companies like Lanxess, BASF, and Evonik responding to the Rhine’s low water levels?

Lanxess reported that ship shipments are severely restricted, with barges carrying much lighter loads and certain loading/unloading points no longer accessible, prompting a shift to rail and road transport where possible; BASF reported isolated bottlenecks but maintained shipping by deploying more low-water-capable vessels and using land transport when necessary; Evonik stated it is implementing extensive precautionary measures and shifting part of its freight transport to rail and road due to restricted inland shipping capacities and major logistics challenges.

Rhine River at Record Low Levels Is Forcing Industry to React

Aug 11, 2026

Record-low Rhine River levels are disrupting shipping, forcing major chemical and industrial firms like BASF and Covestro to shift logistics to rail and road. The crisis threatens supply chains for key commodities and could reduce Germany's GDP by mid-September.

bloomberg

2026-08-11

Rhine River at Record Low Levels Is Forcing Industry to React

Rhine River at Record Low Levels Is Forcing Industry to React

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