Cargo ships

transporting about 310 metric tons of cargo annually along the Rhine, making up about 67% of all inland waterway freight in the EU.

Key commodities shipped along the route include grain, minerals, ores, coal, energy and chemicals.

Despite low water levels, there are low water barges that are still able to pass through the Cobb.

However, the amount of cargo vessels can carry fell to around 800 tons as of last week from the usual 5,000 tons.

As a result, some firms that use the Rhine will likely opt to transfer cargo to road or rail transport.

However, this will likely raise costs and limit the amount they are able to transport, as replacing one barge can take upwards of 100 trucks.

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