Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 22
Rhine Diesel Barges Cut Loads to 45% at Kaub as Heat Wave Drains Water Levels
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 22

Rhine Diesel Barges Cut Loads to 45% at Kaub as Heat Wave Drains Water Levels

1 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 22

Summary

  • 1,070 tons was the diesel cargo limit for barges passing Kaub on Monday, leaving vessels at about 45% of normal carrying capacity.
  • Falling Rhine water levels during a regional heat wave are restricting navigation on the river, a key fuel-shipping route for western Europe.
  • The reduced loads are choking fuel movements because barges must sail partially empty to clear the shallow stretch at Kaub, a critical German waypoint.

Insights

The Rhine is today's crisis. Which critical global trade route is next to fail?
Is Europe's supply chain built to fail in a warming world?