Low Water Levels on the Rhine: When Every Path Becomes Difficult

Rhine ships: Due to low water levels, inland waterway shipping is virtually impossible, and trucks are forced to pay high fuel prices. For example, according to the Waterways Administration, the water level at Düsseldorf stood at minus eight centimeters on September 29, 2026. As of today, the water level is expected to drop even further to minus eleven centimeters. However, this negative value refers only to a measuring point on the riverbank; the actual navigation channel lies significantly deeper. The restrictions on shipping traffic—for example, between Basel and the northern ports and vice versa—are enormous. Cargo ships are now only allowed to carry reduced loads.

The alternative: trucks. The price per liter of diesel for commercial vehicles in Switzerland is currently well over 2.40 CHF (additional cost: approximately 20,000 CHF in extra expenses per truck per year, due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions in the Middle East). Diesel surcharges: We freight forwarders currently charge based on weekly fluctuations (e.g., 17% in calendar weeks 39/40).

The Alternative Rail: Booking freight trains is easy. Securing a departure is a nightmare. We currently have containers at the port that have been waiting for a departure for two weeks. Our competitors are facing the same issue. While freight trains can move large volumes and are directly connected to key logistics hubs such as the Swiss Rhine ports, the rail network is operating at full capacity. Construction projects, staff shortages, and a lack of available railcars or train paths prevent the railways from fully absorbing the enormous freight capacities of inland waterway transport.

What does this mean for a company like ours?
There are no one-size-fits-all solutions, as ships, trucks, and trains are all limited in their own ways. Our specialists therefore review each shipment individually and select the mode of transport—or combination of modes—that best suits the deadline, cost, and volume. Throughout this process, we maintain close communication with our customers, provide timely updates, and ensure that the goods arrive reliably.

Sources: TR and ZDF heute