Rhine Flooding: Ongoing Shipping Constraints
The Rhine's shipping traffic continues to face restrictions due to persistent flooding. On Tuesday, the Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping in Bonn announced that high water mark I had been exceeded at several gauging stations along the Rhine, including Speyer, Worms, and Mainz. This necessitated a speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour to minimize potential damage to surrounding infrastructure. Thankfully, high water mark II, which would have prevented any boats from sailing, was not breached at any of the stations.
Despite the water levels beginning to recede, the GDWS in Bonn warns of an imminent rise due to forecasted rain by Thursday. Meanwhile, shipping on the Moselle and Saar rivers remains unaffected by these flood restrictions.
In the past, the Moselle River experienced a notable incident involving an inland cargo ship that wrecked a critical lock. The ship, in autopilot, failed to halt before colliding with the lock gates, leading to extensive damage and stranding numerous vessels. Although river traffic has since resumed, the first ship successfully passed through the repaired lock on February 1, 55 days post the accident.
The Saar River, flowing through northeastern France and Germany, is usually managed by canalization and locks. There are no recent reports of flooding or significant disruptions to shipping on the Saar River.
Autopilot systems are permitted for use on rivers like the Moselle, but captains need to actively monitor and intervene if necessary to prevent accidents. River cruisers planning vacations should consult cruise operators or travel agencies for the latest advice on river conditions and potential disruptions.
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Enrichment Data (February 2025): No recent reports of flooding affecting the Rhine, Moselle, or Saar rivers have been released. It is important to monitor real-time updates for any changes in water levels or weather conditions that might impact river traffic. Specific regulations, restrictions, and advice can be obtained from relevant authorities or river cruise operators.
