Germany: Germany's national rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, is responding to a cargo capacity challenge caused by low water levels in rivers by increasing freight transport via rail.
According to Ghana News Agency, DB Cargo, the freight subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, has the ability to mobilize approximately 400 additional freight wagons at short notice. Bernhard Osburg, the chief executive of DB Cargo, indicated that up to 500 more freight wagons might become available in the coming months as part of a long-term standby plan to address low water issues, although funding details still need clarification.
Osburg highlighted the potential impact of this initiative, stating that DB Cargo could immediately replace up to 100 inland cargo vessels and potentially around 200 vessels in the long term with the standby concept. He emphasized that a single freight train has the capacity to substitute up to 10 inland cargo vessels due to its higher turnaround speed.
The German rail network, operated by DB InfraGO, accommodates approximately 4,500 freight trains daily, utilized by more than 220 railway companies. DB InfraGO has appointed a special low-water coordinator to manage the north-south traffic along the Rhine and Elbe rivers amidst the current low-water situation.
In response to the crisis, German states have temporarily lifted the Sunday driving ban for lorries to facilitate freight transport, partially shifting it onto roads. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Steffen Bilger advocates for further expansion of waterways, as major maritime routes like the Rhine face unprecedented low levels. He stressed the importance of maintaining confidence in inland shipping to encourage the shift of freight from roads to waterways.
Bilger noted that climate adaptation strategies include expanding waterway use, emphasizing ecological compensation. Although low-water situations have occurred before, the current scenario is unusual and likely influenced by climate change. He advocates for waterway transport as an environmentally friendly option and plans to engage with environmental organizations on this matter.