(de-news.net) – Restrictions on inland navigation along the Rhine have been imposed due to declining water levels, which are attributed to persistent drought conditions. According to the Waterways and Shipping Authority, larger vessels can now only traverse the waterway near Cologne with half their usual cargo load. In the Middle Rhine region near Bingen, the navigable channel depth permits merely one-third of the usual freight capacity. Restrictions on cargo volume lead to increased costs, as entrepreneurs are required to book multiple vessels instead of a single one for their shipments.

Meteorological experts predict that water levels will continue to decrease—albeit gradually—until the coming week. However, a degree of alleviation is anticipated starting the week after next.