Shipping giant MSC announced the introduction of ‘traffic congestion surcharges’ for rail, trucking, and rail-truck transport. It affects services from/to Antwerp and Rotterdam via Andernach, Frankfurt, Germersheim Munich, Nurnberg, Neuss, Strasbourg, Trier, and Woerth.
“Water levels have fallen to such an extent that barge transportation from Rhine-connected inland terminals has become extremely restricted and, in many cases, no longer possible at all, the Switzerland-based group told customers.
“The low water situation in Europe has led to significant transport capacity reduction in the hinterland market, causing more pressure on alternative routings via rail and truck. ”The surcharges are set to apply from 20 August and will be levied at €44 per container being moved by truck for all origins and destinations, with rail and rail-truck surcharges of €50 per container for loads to and from Germany and Alsace.
Historic lows
At the start of the month, MSC informed customers that it had taken a number of measures to ensure continuity of operations amid worsening drought conditions. It included 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 urgent or time-sensitive shipments.
Since MSC made the announcement on surcharges water levels on key transit points of the Rhine have continued to fall, reaching historic lows, driving up demand up even further for alternative modes of transport.
However, switching barge loads to rail and road is neither smooth nor simple currently. A major overhaul of infrastructure is being undertaken on the German rail network on the right bank of the Rhine – scheduled to last until the end of year – which has reduced available capacity considerably while road haulage is confronted with a shortage of truck drivers.
Trucks to operate Sundays, public holidays
Meanwhile, in response to the disruption to the barge traffic trade on Rhine due low water levels, several German states have relaxed legislation which prevents most trucks from using motorways on Sundays and public holidays. Switzerland’s economy also depends heavily on inland water transport via the Rhine, notably for imports of petroleum products, which have largely dried up. However, it is unclear whether the country has replicated Germany’s measures with regard to truck transport.