Cas König, CEO of North Sea Port, which manages the ports of Terneuzen, Vlissingen, and Ghent, has reported that the recent summer drought and its impact on water levels in the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal are resulting in millions of euros in damages for local businesses. The reduced water depth is affecting vessel navigation and cargo transport.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this situation implies potential disruptions to inland waterway transport to and from these key European ports. Low water levels can lead to draft restrictions, requiring vessels to carry less cargo or use alternative, often more expensive, transport modes like road or rail. This can increase transit times and operational costs, affecting supply chain planning and delivery schedules for cargo moving through the region.
