Surcharges add to costs of barge freight in Europe
Heatwaves have sent prices skyrocketing for container moves along northern Europe’s inland waterways and, with little sign of rainfall, things are likely to get worse.
Compounding current problems is the systemic congestion that has plagued European waterways for years, with operators often reporting delays measured in weeks rather than hours – although things have levelled to around 40-70 hour waits. However, with low water, these times may creep up, with barges being required to move lighter, some handling just 30% of their capacity and many maxed out at 75% to avoid being too heavy.
It is anticipated that the low water levels could lead to the forced closure of the Rhine by the end of next week, with the result that containers will move to road haulage at considerably higher costs. Rail is unable to fill the gap.
Snow and ice strain Northern European supply chains
Severe winter weather is disrupting logistics networks across Northern Europe, affecting port operations, hinterland transport and time-critical supply chains. At the port of […]
Toll charges to increase from 2026
On December 17, 2025, the 2025 Toll Tariff Regulation was published in Austria and became legally binding. It sets out the toll rates […]
ROTTERDAM PORT CONGESTION DEEPENS
Congestion in the Port of Rotterdam has reached a very troubling level. A survey conducted by Nieuwsblad Transport among 124 companies across the […]
