23/07/2026
The Rhine is the most important waterway for our fleet. However, when water levels drop, transport on the Rhine becomes increasingly challenging. Even a difference of just a few centimeters can change how much cargo a barge can transport, which voyages are still possible and how operations need to be planned.
Marlon van Baarlen, Barge Operator at Maaskade Bevrachters, deals with this challenge every day. Together with the captains, he continuously assesses the conditions on the river and determines how the fleet can be deployed as efficiently as possible.
"During periods of extremely low water we have to look at the most critical locations on the Rhine. One of the Rhine's bottlenecks is Kaub. Not every barge can continue operating, and cargo capacity often has to be reduced significantly. Together with the captain, we continuously assess how much cargo can be transported safely and which operational choices best suit the prevailing conditions."
During low water periods, barges have to adjust their cargo intake. While a barge would normally sail at full capacity, it may only be able to carry a fraction of its usual load.
"Our fleet consists of many different types of barges, each with its own dimensions and characteristics. The length and beam of a barge influence how it is loaded and how it behaves in shallow water. Those are factors we take into account on every voyage during low water conditions."
Conditions on the river change as well. As water levels fall, parts of the riverbanks become exposed and the navigable channel becomes narrower. Barges reduce speed, adjust their routes and in some locations, have to wait for oncoming traffic before passing safely.
At the same time, conditions can change rapidly. Rainfall in Switzerland and southern Germany can temporarily raise water levels on the Rhine, creating opportunities to increase cargo capacity. However, water levels can fall again just as quickly, requiring continuous monitoring and planning throughout the summer.
Behind every voyage on the Rhine lies far more than simply transporting cargo from A to B. It requires experience, careful planning and close cooperation between the barge operator and the captain to keep transport safe and efficient.
