CGI-generated image of a 8,700 TEU Maersk Lima class
Maersk has revised its Rhine low water surcharges as falling river levels continue to affect barge transportation across Germany and the Benelux region.
The charges apply to laden containers and vary according to the water level recorded at Duisburg-Ruhrort, Kaub and Cologne. They will remain valid until further notice.
Maersk warned that it cannot guarantee cargo loading when water levels fall below 81 cm at Kaub or 181 cm at Duisburg-Ruhrort.
Rhine low water surcharges at Duisburg-Ruhrort
Water level
20-foot
40-foot
45-foot
Below 3.00 metres
€20
€30
€45
Below 2.71 metres
€35
€55
€75
Below 2.51 metres
€65
€95
€130
Below 2.26 metres
€95
€120
€160
Below 2.01 metres
€125
€155
€205
Below 1.81 metres
€250
€300
€400
Below 1.71 metres
€320
€390
€520
Below 1.61 metres
€415
€505
€675
Below 1.51 metres
€530
€640
€850
Below 1.41 metres
€1,250
€1,490
€1,570
Below 1.31 metres
€1,335
€1,560
€1,670
Rhine low water surcharges at Kaub
Low water conditions at Kaub begin when the gauge reaches 1.50 metres or below. Draft restrictions at this point affect passing barge services and may also disrupt cargo movements at other locations.
Water level
20-foot
40-foot
45-foot
Below 1.51 metres
€50
€60
€85
Below 1.31 metres
€65
€90
€120
Below 1.11 metres
€90
€105
€145
Below 1.01 metres
€105
€165
€220
Below 0.91 metres
€140
€190
€225
Below 0.81 metres
€345
€435
€575
Below 0.71 metres
€455
€550
€735
Below 0.61 metres
€625
€735
€975
Below 0.51 metres
€885
€1,060
€1,410
Below 0.41 metres
€1,250
€1,490
€1,570
Below 0.31 metres
€1,365
€1,490
€1,705
Below 0.21 metres
€1,535
€1,535
€2,045
Maersk said transportation cannot be guaranteed when the Kaub water level falls below 41 cm.
Cologne low water surcharge levels
Water level
20-foot
40-foot
45-foot
Below 1.95 metres
€50
€65
€100
Below 1.76 metres
€75
€100
€150
Below 1.46 metres
€85
€120
€180
1.26–1.06 metres
€130
€150
€225
Below 1.06 metres
€310
€310
€410
Below 0.96 metres
€480
€480
€635
Below 0.86 metres
€480
€480
€635
Below 0.81 metres
€625
€625
€836
Below 0.76 metres
€625
€625
€836
Below 0.71 metres
€800
€800
€1,060
Below 0.65 metres
€1,080
€1,080
€1,440
Below 0.51 metres
€1,365
€1,365
€1,815
Transportation cannot be guaranteed when the Cologne water level falls below 1.06 metres.
For exports, Maersk will determine the applicable surcharge using the barge departure date from the inland terminal. For imports, it will use the barge departure date from the deep-sea terminal.
Maersk said barge operators charge these additional costs directly to the carrier, which will pass them on to customers.
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