Rhine at 1m Depth: Barge With 168 Mercedes Vans Strands in Düsseldorf
A Dutch-flagged barge carrying 168 Mercedes vans grounded on a sandbar after departing Düsseldorf.
Low water levels on the Rhine River have left a cargo barge stranded in Düsseldorf, disrupting the transport of nearly 170 Mercedes Sprinter vans. The Dutch-flagged vessel Terra 2, measuring 135 meters in length, ran aground on a sandbar shortly after departing the port on Monday. Despite multiple attempts to free itself, the ship remained stuck overnight.
The Rhine’s critically low water levels—recorded at just one meter (3.3 feet) at key sections—have paralyzed much of Germany’s inland freight network. Authorities report that captains are refusing to navigate the river, forcing companies to reduce cargo loads or shift shipments to already congested highways. The river, which typically carries two-thirds of Germany’s inland freight, has been under strain since mid-summer, with special low-draft vessels now required for safe passage.
While the Terra 2 did not block port operations, rescue efforts were complicated by the shallow waters. Water police were unable to reach the vessel with their own boats, relying instead on firefighters to access the site. Tugs were deemed too risky to approach due to the risk of grounding. Onlookers gathered as the barge remained immobilized until Tuesday, when it finally freed itself and returned to dock.
The Stranded Barge and Emergency Response: With
Port officials expressed concerns that the incident may have damaged the riverbed, potentially requiring expensive repairs. The vessel’s operator plans to offload part of the cargo before making another attempt to reach Rotterdam with the remaining vans.
The grounding of the Terra 2 highlights the worsening crisis on the Rhine, where shrinking water levels have forced businesses to adapt. Trucks have flooded highways to compensate for lost river capacity, while shipping companies face mounting delays. With no immediate relief in sight, authorities warn that further disruptions to supply chains are likely.
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