MSC appears to have got ahead of the competition along North Europe’s beleaguered inland waterways, informing customers that it has implemented a series of measures to ensure continuity of operations amid continuing drought.

The carrier’s intervention comes with water levels along the Rhine showing no sign of increasing in the near future, with limited prospects of rainfall over the next seven days and indications that on some gauges the conditions may worsen further.

MSC told customers: “Water levels below the Kaub measuring point have fallen to such an extent barge transportation to and from destinations further upstream has become extremely restricted and, in many cases, no longer possible.

“Barge load factors are heavily reduced, leading to increased operational challenges. In addition, be aware that also the Hengelo corridor is currently impacted by navigation obstructions, which may also affect inland waterway transport options in that region.”

Consequently, MSC is offering a range of alternative modes, with rail capacity available on routes linked to Athus, Strasbourg, Woerth, Germersheim, Frankfurt, and Trier, and dedicated trucking for shipments deemed “urgent or time-sensitive”.

Another option being explored is using Belgium’s Albert Canal, which remains largely operational as the Rhine deals with historic low waters, MSC noting the port of Limburg as an “effective alternative gateway for cargo moving to and from Germany”.

Sources have also suggested the Albert Canal as one of the better alternatives for those looking to avoid the Rhine, one telling the Loadstar the waterway’s capacity to handle above-average volumes is evident in the explosion in cruise activity.

“Historic lows on the Rhine are forcing shipping companies to adjust their routes, and this is equating to increased demand for berths for river cruises, with the city having already received 75 additional requests,” one barge owner said.

“There are still enough berths for everyone. Shipping companies are being forced to adjust sailing schedules because the water level of the Rhine is too low. Antwerp, also a well-established cruise destination, is often seen as an alternative in travel plans.”

So, why not on the cargo side?