Story perspectives

Rhine Low Water Cuts German Industrial Output 1%

8/22/2026

Summary

BASF Navigates Low-Water

Germany’s Kaub gauging station recorded a 7 cm water level on 17 August, the lowest since 1880.
Kiel Institute research finds Rhine levels below 78 cm for 30 days cut German industrial output by about 1%.
BASF chairman Markus Kamieth says the firm is better prepared than in 2018, using specialised low-water ships.
BASF CFO Dirk Elvermann warns logistics costs will rise under the low-water situation.

Summary

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BASF Navigates Low-Water

Germany’s Kaub gauging station recorded a 7 cm water level on 17 August, the lowest since 1880.
Kiel Institute research finds Rhine levels below 78 cm for 30 days cut German industrial output by about 1%.
BASF chairman Markus Kamieth says the firm is better prepared than in 2018, using specialised low-water ships.
BASF CFO Dirk Elvermann warns logistics costs will rise under the low-water situation.

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