Rhine in need: Companies react to dramatically falling water level!
Rhine in need: Companies react to dramatically falling water level!
The Rhine is currently presenting itself with an exceptionally low water level, which was last so deep in November 2023. Information from Radio Leverkusen proven that this low-water has a massive effect on the transport of large companies in the region. Companies such as Covestro, a leading plastic manufacturer, have already reacted and set up a special task force to cope with the challenges.Over 30% of the fabrics produced by Covestro and a large part of the raw materials are transported over the Rhine. In order to counteract the delivery bottlenecks, Covestro increases the number of ships used and lets them drive more often. Furthermore, the company creates ahead of raw materials to ensure production. At the moment, however, the effects of low water on production at Covestro are not yet noticeable, since other companies, such as Lanxess, also use more ships to ensure transportation.
Effects on Thyssenkrupp and other companies
Another prominent example of the difficulties due to the back water level is Thyssenkrupp Steel AG, Germany's largest steel manufacturer based in Duisburg. According to reports from RP online less less to reduce the depth and drives more frequently. The company's daily need for raw materials is around 60,000 tons, mostly consisting of iron ore and coal, which are transported mainly. Despite the difficult conditions, there are currently no problems with regard to the supply of raw materials.
Thyssenkrupp relies on its own fleet, which consists of seven shear ships and about 80 versus. Flatbody ships without their own drive are lighter, which are used especially in flat waters. The forecast for the water level in Duisburg-Ruhrort already provides for another decline to 2.36 meters, which could increase the challenges for companies in the region.
regional economic consequences
The persistent drought, which influences the water level of the Rhine, not only affects sole proprietorship, but also represents an economic risk for all of North Rhine-Westphalia. The situation asks all actors in business to adapt their logistics to the new circumstances. On the one hand, the transport must be secured, on the other hand, the question remains how long this situation lasts and what further measures could be necessary.
The current water level of the Rhine is an appeal for forward -looking planning and the need to consider alternative transport routes in order not to endanger the affected economic sectors.
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