Low water bad for BASF profits, good for inland shipping sales

The extremely low water levels on the Rhine this autumn meant that inland barges could carry much less cargo than usual. This led to a major lack of capacity and a spectacular rise in rates. According to an ABN-AMRO study, inland navigation rates rose 27% in the third quarter compared to the second quarter. For many an inland shipping entrepreneur, this was a good thing. Turnover in the sector rose by an average of 18% in the third quarter compared to the same period a year earlier. For inland waterway operators who hire capacity themselves, the situation was less favourable. They saw their costs rise sharply.