Alarming low water on the Elbe: shipping stands still!

Alarming low water on the Elbe: shipping stands still!

The water level of the Elbe has achieved an alarming low level in recent weeks, which has a significant impact on shipping in the region. According to rbb24 , the level in Wittenberge has currently fallen to 80 centimeters and could continue to fall up to 55 centimeters by the middle of the month. Professional shipping is badly affected because ships with a heavy load can no longer drive the river. This is currently uneconomical.

The consequences are not only shown in freight traffic. Sports boats such as canoeists and paddlers can still drive the river, but they too have difficulties. They get stuck on sandbars more and more frequently and have to be freed from other boats. In particular, the “route 9” between Dömitz and Hitzacker has critical values ​​with only 50 centimeters of water, so that shipping is almost impossible here, such as the Tagesschau noted. In addition, the ferry between Lütkenwisch and Schnakenburg has set up its business.

ecological effects

The low water situation not only has economic but also ecological consequences. The groundwater level drops, and the roots of the trees have difficulty taking up enough water, which can lead to lack of oxygen. The effects are also noticeable in Dresden; As Christoph Springer reports from Saxon steam shipping, the trips often have to be re -planned and the large steamer only run to Pillnitz because they have to drive with a lower occupancy.

fishermen complain about drying tributaries and falling oxygen values ​​in the Elbe. The Saxon inland ports of the Oberelbe have no more shipping since mid -June, and goods Transport is relocated to the railroad, which, according to experts like Mandy Hofmann, is part of the adaptation strategy in times of low water. However, there is an all -clear for the Lower Saxony part of the lower middle rib; According to the Lower Saxony State Operation for Water Management, there is no general risk to fishing.

forecasts and possible solutions

The forecasts do not indicate a short -term improvement, and it remains to be seen whether precipitation can raise the water level of the Elbe in the coming period. In the meantime, many boat owners only have the advice to do without trips to the affected port areas. The current situation reflects the serious challenges caused by long -lasting drought and lack of snow melting. The region is faced with the need to find solutions to support shipping and to regulate the water levels sustainably.