Overview
- The Kaub gauge fell to a provisional low of 2 centimetres on Thursday and was reported at 5 centimetres Friday morning, with the federal waterways authority saying the new record is being verified.
- The Kaub vehicle ferry has been suspended since Tuesday because water under the ferry drives is below the operator's safety threshold and service cannot resume until levels rise.
- Economists and shipping groups say the Kaub chokepoint has effectively split inland navigation, forcing barges to carry partial loads, raising freight costs and creating supply‑chain bottlenecks.
- Short‑term weather forecasts show little rain in the Rhine basin so experts warn meaningful recovery depends on sustained precipitation in the Alps and Swiss catchment rather than local showers.
- Other local crossings are also limited or closed, some ferries now carry only light vehicles, and regional industry faces higher transport costs for fuel and bulk raw materials that could depress growth.