The Rhine has dropped to record-low levels over the weekend, disrupting river cruises and cargo shipping along one of Europe’s busiest waterways. Germany’s Federal Waterways agency reported the Kaub gauge at minus one centimetre on Sept 26.

Levels sit far below the 77-centimetre navigation reference that shipping firms plan around, and under the record set in 2018. Forecasts show Kaub staying below the low-water mark through Oct 9.

Cruise companies have adjusted routes in response. Riviera Travel moved a Rhine cruise away from Switzerland, Strasbourg and the Rhine Gorge toward the Netherlands and Belgium, while Uniworld swapped ships and started some Budapest departures from hotels.

Freight costs are rising fast. Shipping diesel from Rotterdam to Karlsruhe cost 15% more on Monday after more than doubling in September. Some chemical producers have cut output or declared force majeure.

What next: prolonged low water could keep straining Europe’s river logistics into October unless rain refills the basin.