Danube cargo capacity squeezed by low water

Low water levels on the Danube are squeezing cargo capacity across Central and Eastern Europe, forcing inland vessels to reduce their loads and making river shipments slower and more difficult to plan. The pressure is most immediate for bulk, liquid and general cargo, which account for much of the freight transported on the river. Container movements and intermodal connections may also face delays and reduced reliability, although no specific disruption to scheduled container services has been publicly confirmed. In a statement issued on 12 August, representatives of the Danube Commission’s member states expressed serious concern about the growing consequences of extreme water levels for navigation, economic connectivity and the wider Danube region. The Danube Commission said restrictions on vessel draught, reduced cargo loads, longer transport times and the difficulty of planning shipments reliably can result in economic losses and weaken the competitiveness of inland waterway transport.