Record Low Rhine Levels Threaten Navigation and Power Supply Across Europe

The Rhine has reached its lowest recorded water levels at monitoring points in Cologne, Germany, and Lobith, Netherlands, as a sustained heatwave drives temperatures above 40 °C in much of central and southern Europe. The drought, described as stable and critical across most of the continent, has also pushed the Danube and Italy’s Po river to historic lows.

Germany’s Low Water Information System reported that by the end of July, 44 % of Rhine stations and 78 % of Danube stations recorded extremely low water levels. At the Kaub gauging station, a key indicator of navigability, water depth fell to a 2018 record low of 25 cm before a slight rise early the following week.

"Although shipping on the Rhine is unlikely to be suspended altogether, precautions will be needed, such as spreading cargo across more vessels to reduce loads," said Martin Wolters of the Rhine Waterways and Shipping Authority.

A commodity trader warned that loads may become too small to be economical and that vessel owners could fear damage to their ships.

In Hungary, the Danube’s low flow forced the shutdown of the country’s only nuclear power plant, while Serbia reduced output at coal-fired stations due to cooling-water shortages. Romania carried out a controlled explosion on a riverbank rock to improve water flow to its Cernavoda nuclear plant.

"We don’t know when we will be able to restart the plant," Prime Minister Peter Magyar said, adding hopes for rain that could lower water levels.

Italy’s Po river hit a historic low near Cremona, prompting authorities to raise the drought alert to “high” across the Po Valley. Experts warned of possible disruptions to drinking-water supplies and noted that reduced river flow has allowed seawater intrusion, affecting ecosystems and irrigation for farmers.