Nizke vode na Rinu i Dunavu ograničavaju plovidbu

Low water levels on the Rhine and Danube rivers have severely restricted shipping operations, with visible gravel bars, dry riverbanks, and side arms devoid of water marking the impact of prolonged drought. As of July 29, 2026, historical low water levels have been recorded along both rivers, significantly hampering navigation. The lack of rainfall combined with high temperatures has led to these unprecedented conditions. At Kaub in the Rhein-Lahn district, water levels were measured at 29 centimeters, allowing for a navigable channel depth of just 1.43 meters. According to official forecasts from the Federal Waterways and Shipping Authority, the water level could drop even further, potentially reaching the lowest ever recorded in 2018, which stood at 25 centimeters. The reduced water levels have had major consequences for inland shipping. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Rheinland-Pfalz stated that under a water level of 40 centimeters at Kaub, meaningful inland shipping is no longer possible. In recent days, ships have been able to operate only with significantly reduced cargo loads, increasing costs. For large motor ships to operate unhindered on the Rhine, the water level would need to rise by at least one meter. Despite the low water levels, goods transportation continues on the river. The Association of German Inland Shipping noted that authorities typically do not impose a complete closure of the Rhine unless absolutely necessary. According to deputy managing director Fabian Spieß, shipping continues as long as it is safe to do so. However, there are concerns over potential supply shortages for raw materials such as coal, crude oil, and natural gas, which are usually transported by ship. These materials form the basis of numerous industrial production chains, affecting various industries. The economic damage caused by the historic low water levels in 2018 was estimated at 2.4 billion euros. The Danube River is also suffering from the drought, with some sections experiencing water levels not seen in 30 years. At Pöchlarn on the Danube, the current water level stands at barely one meter, compared to the usual three meters. This has forced some shipping companies to halt their operations entirely in certain areas. In Greifenstein, Austria, several ships are stranded on dry land. Tourists have also been affected by the situation. In Bulgaria, 186 passengers and 52 crew members had to abandon their cruise ship after it ran aground on the Danube in northwestern Bulgaria. The Swiss-flagged vessel "Viking Ullur," which normally operates between Budapest, Hungary, and Romania, ran aground due to poor visibility and the low water level of the Danube. The Bulgarian Interior Ministry attributed the incident to these conditions. With climate change posing greater challenges for inland shipping, economic associations are pushing for rapid expansion of the Rhine's navigational channels, particularly in the Middle Rhine region. Plans include deliberately blasting rocks into the river and removing sandbars that hinder shipping. Environmental groups, however, warn against such measures. Sabine Yacoub, chairwoman of the Nature Conservation Union (BUND) in Rhineland-Pfalz, expressed concern that altering the river’s flow could have unforeseen consequences. She highlighted the risk of damaging ecologically valuable shore areas where fish spawn.