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Rhine at Kaub Hits 1880 Low, Freight Costs Surge

8/4/2026

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Story summary
  • The Rhine at Kaub fell to 24 centimetres on Monday, the lowest level since 1880.
  • The shallow depth limits vessel drafts, forcing barges to cut cargo loads.
  • Martin Wolters of the Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority said operators must spread cargo across more vessels, raising costs.
  • Diesel freight from Rotterdam to Karlsruhe rose to its highest level since Bloomberg began tracking in 2009.