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13-May-2025 | 04:00
Rhine River - Low Water Surcharge update
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13-May-2025 | 04:00
Rhine River - Low Water Surcharge update

We would like to inform you of applicable surcharges during low water situation in the river Rhine. 
The low water levels on the Rhine River are affecting barge transport due to the draft restrictions and the amount of cargo can be loaded by the barges. 
As a result, barge owners are imposing Low Water Surcharge, which is the common practice in this trade. 

The surcharge is applied to all barge and barge-road shipments between the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam and origin / destinations in Germany, France, and Switzerland via the Rhine River.  

Shippers or Receivers are debited according to the daily tariff, based on the rover situation according to the day of loading on board the barge.
LWS levels are presented below:

Middle/ Upper Rhine destinations

Water level 20' 40'
150 - 131 cm € 45,00  € 55,00 
130 - 111 cm € 60,00  € 80,00 
110 - 101 cm € 80,00  € 90,00 
100 - 91 cm € 95,00  € 150,00 
90 - 81cm € 125,00  € 170,00 
80 - 71 cm € 220,00  € 300,00 
70 - 61 cm € 310,00  € 375,00 
<60cm Mutual agreement Mutual agreement

Lower Rhine destinations

Water level 20' 40'
300 - 271 cm € 20,00 € 30,00
270 - 251 cm € 35,00 € 50,00
250 - 221 cm € 60,00 € 85,00
220 - 201 cm € 85,00 € 110,00
200 - 181 cm € 115,00 € 140,00
<180cm Mutual agreement Mutual agreement

Thank you for your continuous support. For additional information, please contact your Account Owner.

Sincerely,
ZIM Integrated Shipping