We at Salzgitter Flachstahl are closely monitoring the current media reports about the extremely low water levels on the Rhine. Low water levels pose particular challenges for inland shipping and, consequently, for industrial supply chains.
This underscores the value of our decision to invest early in modern, low-water-optimized vessel concepts together with our partners.
One example of this is the Blue Marlin, which we have chartered.
- 86 meters long and 9.50 meters wide
- navigable from a draft of approximately 1.10 meters
- up to 3,110 tonnes transport capacity in combination with a push barge
- diesel-electric “Future-Fuel-Ready” drive concept
- Solar power system with a potential yield of up to 37,500 kWh per year
The Blue Marlin is used throughout the Salzgitter Group. It transports raw materials and products not only for Salzgitter Flachstahl, but also for our sister companies Ilsenburger Grobblech GmbH and Peiner Träger GmbH. In doing so, it makes a significant contribution to security of supply and the efficient networking of material flows within Salzgitter AG.
Low-water optimization is proving particularly advantageous under the current conditions. While some routes remain challenging due to infrastructure limitations in the canal area, the low water levels have so far been relatively manageable for our specially designed vessels.
For us, this is important confirmation that the joint investments with HGK Shipping in modern, efficient, and low-water-optimized inland vessels were and are the right approach. At the same time, this can only be the beginning.
Current water levels demonstrate that low water events are no longer merely temporary exceptions. They are increasingly becoming a permanent planning factor for industry and logistics. This makes it all the more important to adapt transport concepts to changing conditions at an early stage and to build resilience in a targeted manner.
If we want to ensure the industry’s ability to deliver in the future and maintain inland waterways as a high-performing mode of transport, further investments are needed – and not just from individual companies and projects.
Shipping companies, shippers, and industry are jointly called upon to further modernize their fleets and invest in vessels that can be operated economically even with increasingly challenging water levels. However, modern ships alone are not enough. The efficiency of inland navigation also depends on the infrastructure. Locks and ship lifts, in particular, are critical elements for safe and reliable transport chains. Anyone who wants to maintain inland waterways as a strong mode of transport must therefore invest equally in fleets, waterways, and infrastructure.
Resilient supply chains are not created by short-term reactions to low water levels. They are created by long-term investment decisions, technological innovations, and strong partnerships that guarantee security of supply even under changing climatic conditions.
The Blue Marlin demonstrates what is already technically possible. Now it is crucial to continue down this path together and at a faster pace.
