German Shippers Slam 34-Year Rhine Delay at Kaub as 2033 Deepening Plan Threatens Growth
Updated
Updated · adamtooze.substack.com · Aug 14
German Shippers Slam 34-Year Rhine Delay at Kaub as 2033 Deepening Plan Threatens Growth
1 articles · Updated · adamtooze.substack.com · Aug 14
Summary
Germany’s inland shipping industry says a 34-year delay in deepening the Rhine at Kaub is worsening low-water disruption, with the chokepoint again constraining cargo flows on the country’s main inland waterway.
At Kaub, the navigation channel is about 20 centimeters shallower than elsewhere, forcing vessels to cut loads when water falls and raising supply-chain risks for heavy cargo such as oil and petrochemicals.
Berlin first pledged in 1992 to remove submerged rocks, revived the project after the 2018 low-water shock dented GDP, and still expects work only by 2033 despite calling it a highest-priority scheme.
Officials blame environmental objections, shifting political priorities and slow planning, while critics say the engineering itself could take about eight months and argue Germany has neglected core infrastructure.
The dispute now extends beyond timing: engineers and economists say dredging Kaub may buy time but cannot solve climate-driven low water, pointing instead to low-draft vessels, active water management and stronger rail links.