Overview

• A cargo ship collided with the Müden lock on the Mosel River, severely damaging both gate flaps and hydraulic systems, likely due to a technical defect under investigation.
• Approximately 70 ships, including cargo and cruise vessels, are stranded on the Mosel and Saar rivers, with no immediate solution for their passage.
• The lock's repair is expected to take until at least late March 2025, with efforts underway to assess damage and explore temporary solutions for stranded vessels.
• The disruption has significant economic consequences, with companies incurring millions in additional costs to reroute goods via road and rail, impacting industries like steel production.
• Tourism is also affected, as cruise operators reroute or cancel itineraries, though officials anticipate minimal impact on the 2025 peak season starting in April.