Barge surcharges in Europe have soared 150%, due to hinterland congestion and container transport’s need to compete with demand for coal following Russia’s decision to cut gas supplies.
Contargo announced it would be increasing an emergency surcharge of €10 per transport of full or empty containers to €25 from September 1, heaping new misery on shippers that faced a week of closures on the Rhine.
Contargo said: “As well as the massive problems in seaports, substantial bottlenecks continue to affect our services on the rail network and inland navigation.
“Container barge transport is having to compete with coal and grain transport for the short capacities. The continuing very low water levels on the Rhine and its tributaries are increasing the demand for additional tonnage and driving prices up to critical levels.”
Read more in an article from The Loadstar.