Frankfurt/Main (dpa/lhe) – Because of the low water in the Rhine, more containers than usual are also piling up in Frankfurt’s Osthafen. “The port is about 30 to 40 percent fuller than usual,” said a Contargo spokesman. The maximum capacity of 3500 TEU (20 foot container) was already exceeded on Friday. According to Contargo, only around 1500 to 1800 TEU are normally stored there.
Although the Frankfurt Osthafen is on the Main and there is no low water there, the situation of the Rhine is a problem. “The containers in Frankfurt are mostly destined for Rotterdam or Antwerp. If you want to travel by barge from Frankfurt to the two seaports, you have to navigate not only the Main but also the Rhine,” said the Contargo spokesman.
If possible, containers are now being rebooked on trains that also travel from Frankfurt. In addition, containers can be transported by truck to the Lower Rhine terminals and then further transported by barge to seaports.
An improvement in the situation is already in sight. “Meanwhile, the water level at Kaub has risen again somewhat and ships can, among other things, go back to Frankfurt to load containers there,” said the Contargo spokesman on Friday. However, the capacities are still limited because cargo ships can load less due to the lack of water in the rivers. Nevertheless, the journey is currently possible again for all ships, it said.
