The seasonal shallows of the Rhine, Germany’s main river, threaten to disrupt the country’s coal supply, Bloomberg reported in a Friday report.
The agency noted that the shallows are at their lowest level in 15 years. “The lower water level means that the barges will not be able to load coal at full capacity. This could be a double blow to German facilities,” the agency said. they are already facing a shortage of ships.”
The shallow waters of the river periodically restrict navigation on the Rhine, resulting in a reduction in the amount of cargo carried: for example, a ship with a displacement of 2,500 tons can only carry 1,600 tons on board, according to the agency.
German energy companies are beginning to prepare for the coming winter, but a prolonged drought could delay the supply of needed resources.
Earlier, the Russian company Gazprom significantly reduced the flow of gas to Europe via Nord Stream 1 for technical reasons due to the inability to return turbines from Canada after they were serviced there under the pretext of Western sanctions.
Since only 40% of the Nord Stream gas pipeline has been pumped, it is doubtful that the goal of filling Germany’s gas storage facilities will be reached by next winter.
Source: RIA Novosti