Hapag-Lloyd implements surcharge on Rhine River cargo

Hapag-Lloyd is implementing a low water pass-through surcharge for import and export cargo in Rhine River.

The decision comes in response to the impact of low water levels on Rhine River barge transports, with measures slated to take effect from October 2023.

READ: Low water levels in Rhine River shrink sailing capacity

The decline in water levels has constrained draft capacity, causing disruptions in cargo transportation. The German carrier has introduced the surcharge to address these challenges and ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods along this crucial European waterway.

Since the beginning of last summer, receding water levels in the Rhine River have posed significant challenges for shipping.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by carriers elsewhere about the navigational conditions in the Amazon River, emphasizing the broader implications of water levels on global shipping routes.