thyssenkrupp Steel stated that it has experienced disruptions in the supply of key raw materials due to capacity restrictions in river transport. The company temporarily suspended its own barge operations during this period and deployed chartered vessels with lower draughts to ensure the continuation of shipments.
At Kaub, one of the most critical navigation points on the Rhine River, water levels fell to around 42 centimeters. This level is considered close to the threshold at which river transport could come to a halt. Under current conditions, vessels are only able to carry around 20% of their normal cargo capacity. This requires more vessels to transport the same volume of goods and has also increased additional freight charges caused by the low water levels.
Despite the ongoing logistical challenges, the company announced that customer deliveries are not currently at risk. However, if low water levels on the Rhine continue, pressure on production costs and supply chains in Germany’s steel and manufacturing industries is expected to increase.
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