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The Loadstar reported this week that inland waterway congestion continues to disrupt freight transport across Europe, leading to increased delays and operational inefficiencies for logistics service providers.

Last summer’s torrential rains led to severe flooding along the Rhine, with water levels rising above 8.25m, causing stoppages and logistical bottlenecks across the network. Just two months later, extreme drought conditions brought water levels to critical lows, effectively halting barge movements and resulting in substantial surcharges for the few shipments that were able to continue. Persistent under-utilisation of vessel capacity has led to significant delays, with barge congestion now a systemic issue. Industry stakeholders report that in Antwerp, congestion is causing delays of up to 67 hours, while shippers in Rotterdam are facing waiting times of 57 hours. Such delays have become the norm, with average waiting periods of over 40 hours recorded over the past decade.

The increasing unpredictability of weather patterns has also raised concerns among insurers. TT Club has warned that claims related to weather-induced damages - including navigational accidents, port infrastructure failures, and container stack collapses - are expected to rise in the coming years. These factors are contributing to escalating costs for shippers, including additional labour expenses, maintenance costs, and emergency measures to mitigate further disruptions. The situation underscores the need for long-term infrastructural improvements and better coordination between port authorities, barge owners and logistics operators to prevent recurring disruptions.

Source: The Loadstar