Press release from MSG eG, Würzburg
and BAVARIA Schiffahrts- und Speditions-AG, Stockstadt
Würzburg/Stockstadt, 2 October 2026 – The water level at Kaub fell to minus 6 centimetres yesterday, reaching a new all-time low. The ongoing low water levels on the Rhine are posing exceptional challenges for inland waterway transport and its customers. By adjusting cargo loads, utilising additional vessel capacity and demonstrating a high level of operational commitment, the sector is maintaining transport services wherever possible under these extreme conditions.
A recent example comes from MSG eG in Würzburg: a sea consignment of 4,600 tonnes bound for Nuremberg, which was taken over at the Port of Rotterdam from 21 September, was distributed amongst 14 general cargo barges (GMS). Under normal water level conditions, only three GMS would have been required for this volume.
“Our crews, our operations team and our fleet are doing everything they can to maintain our customers’ supply chains as far as possible, even under these extreme conditions,” says Martin Staats, board member of MSG eG. “The pragmatic commitment of the entire inland waterway transport sector remains unshakeable. On the other hand, it is now becoming clear what economic burdens low water levels are causing for customers, shipping companies and the entire supply chain.”
Inland waterway transport continuously adapts cargo loading, route planning and vessel scheduling to the available channel depth. Whilst these measures enable transport to continue even at extreme water levels, they cannot replace a permanently reliable infrastructure.
“The all-time record low of minus 6 centimetres now reached makes it clear that we need to discuss more far-reaching solutions,” explains Staats. “The Middle Rhine optimisation project planned to date will not, on its own, be sufficient to keep the Rhine climate-resilient and efficient in the long term. If we want to practise effective water management and retain water in the rivers, we will have no choice but to implement lock solutions.”
Andreas Dicke, board member of BAVARIA Schifffahrts- und Speditions-AG, Stockstadt, adds: “On the Bavarian Danube, we have seen for years how highly volatile water levels hamper the predictability of transport operations. A similar situation must not become the norm on the Rhine. Further hydraulic engineering measures and long-term water management do not serve the interests of shipping and its customers alone. They also help to stabilise the groundwater balance and thus contribute to environmental protection and the conservation of resources.”
MSG and BAVARIA are therefore calling on the federal government, the federal states and the relevant infrastructure operators to press ahead decisively and swiftly with adapting waterways to climate change. Inland waterway transport remains an indispensable, efficient and comparatively environmentally friendly mode of transport. However, to ensure it can continue to fulfil its role even during the more frequent periods of low water expected in the future, it requires waterways that are climate-resilient, predictable and sufficiently efficient.
Caption:
As early as 25 September, these four MSG vessels were already on their way nearby Oberwesel (near Kaub) to Nuremberg, with the water level (Kaub) at just 3 centimetres. Photo: Anja Bach
MSG eG, Würzburg, and BAVARIA Schiffahrts- und Speditions-AG, Stockstadt, are the two largest shipping companies in southern Germany and specialise in transport between the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Both shipping companies are also linked through several associated companies. Together, they operate a fleet of approximately 85 vessels.