Persistent heatwaves and drought conditions across Europe have driven water levels on several major rivers to critical lows, severely disrupting inland navigation and supply chains. The French container shipping group CMA CGM has responded by announcing the implementation of an "Inland Emergency Surcharge" on cargo moving through three key European ports due to the abnormally low water levels on the Rhine and other waterways.

The surcharge applies to all inland transport modes originating from the Belgian ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, as well as the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. CMA CGM cited that the sustained low water levels have reduced barge carrying capacity, triggered port congestion, and extended container dwell times at terminals, all of which have significantly inflated operational expenses.

Recent weeks of extreme heat and drought have hit much of Europe, with the falling Rhine levels particularly impacting shipping and energy security. As the continent's most vital inland waterway, the Rhine connects economic hubs across the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, making its navigability crucial for regional trade and fuel transport.

Meanwhile, in Hungary, the Danube River has receded to historic lows, creating a severe challenge for the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. The facility faced a potential shutdown in early August when it became difficult to draw the necessary cooling water from the river. To avert this crisis, the country's prime minister ordered the construction of an underwater diversion dam near the plant, alongside the submersion of two barges to artificially raise the local water level. On August 21st, the Hungarian defense minister reported via social media that the engineering efforts to secure adequate water for the plant are progressing smoothly, and as a result, the two sunken barges will now be removed.