Press release from MSG eG, Würzburg
and BAVARIA Schiffahrts- und Speditions-AG, Stockstadt
Würzburg/Stockstadt, 15 July 2026 – Persistent drought and accelerated glacial retreat are altering river flow patterns in Central Europe. The Danube and Rhine are increasingly fed by rainfall, with more frequent extremes between high and low water levels. At the Pfelling gauge on the Danube, the previous low of 228 cm recorded in 2018 was today undercut, with the level now standing at 222 cm; under these conditions, many vessels can no longer navigate due to their draught.
Low water levels are therefore not a temporary exception, but a structural challenge, particularly for a mode of transport that is vital for climate protection and sustainable logistics. The shift of freight transport to waterways remains crucial: inland waterway vessels produce fewer emissions per tonne transported than lorries, relieve pressure on roads and reduce air pollutants.
Economic consequences and the role of waterways
Those affected include the agricultural sector, the steel and building materials industries, inland waterway transport and the port sector, as well as all other users of the waterways. Whilst rivers with regulated water levels, such as the Main, are currently less severely restricted due to lock operations, free-flowing sections of the Danube and Rhine illustrate particularly clearly the impact of the climate crisis on transport routes.
MSG and Bavaria maintain transport services
Despite the extremely high water levels, MSG and Bavaria are still able to contribute to the supply chain. Both companies are selectively deploying vessels from their fleets that can still operate even when the navigable depth is reduced.
“We are constantly adapting loads, routes and timetables to the restricted navigability and are maintaining transport of agricultural products, building materials, steel and other goods as best we can,” says Martin Staats, board member of MSG eG, Würzburg.
Andreas Dicke, board member of Bavaria Schiffahrts- und Speditions-AG, Stockstadt, adds: “Low water levels of this severity are an enormous challenge for everyone. We are working closely with our partners to stabilise the supply chains.”
A call to politicians and infrastructure operators
MSG and Bavaria see the current situation as a clear signal to make waterways climate-resilient: through the upgrading of critical sections, reliable water level and forecast data, the promotion of fleet modernisation, and a coordinated strategy involving the federal government, the Länder and infrastructure operators.
“Waterways will remain a climate-friendly and efficient mode of transport if we work together now to adapt them to the new reality,” said Martin Staats. “MSG and Bavaria stand ready to actively contribute to solutions with their experience and their fleets,” said Andreas Dicke.
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. The two shipping companies are also linked through several associated companies. Together, they operate a fleet of approximately 85 vessels.