On the free-flowing section of the Danube between Straubing and Vilshofen, if the levels continue to fall, hotel ships will soon no longer be able to easily pass through, said Hans Kerber from the Danube MDK Waterways and Shipping Office in Regensburg of the German Press Agency.
Due to the current weather conditions, rain is not expected. The levels would continue to fall. Kerber gave the all-clear for the time being, but the low water level of 2018, which led to major failures in shipping, is still a long way off.
River cruise ships with a large draft would still have initial problems. If the levels continue to fall, the situation will also worsen for smaller hotel ships. On the other hand, no impairments are currently to be expected for normal excursion boats.
Even most cargo ships could with continued dryness basically drive, explained Kerber. “In the case of cargo ships, the draft of the ship can be regulated by the weight of the cargo.” If less freight is taken along, the water level also plays a less important role. However, this naturally reduces the profitability of the ships. “It is questionable whether you will still drive because of a few tons.”
But the shipping companies of hotel ships also have alternatives: “A section of the route that is not passable can be bridged with buses. After that, the passengers continue their journey on a second ship that is already waiting,” said Kerber.
Ultimately, the decision is made by the shipping companies and the skipper. The Waterways and Shipping Office does not issue any bans.
Source: Nachrichten
