The carrier’s intervention comes with water levels along the Rhine showing no sign of increasing in the near future, with limited prospects of rainfall over the next seven days and indications that on some gauges the conditions may worsen further. MSC told customers: “Water levels below the Kaub measuring point have fallen to such an extent barge transportation to and from destinations further upstream has become extremely restricted and, in many cases, no longer possible. “Barge load factors are heavily reduced, leading to increased operational challenges. Shipping companies are being forced to adjust sailing schedules because the water level of the Rhine is too low. Antwerp, also a well-established cruise destination, is often seen as an alternative in travel plans.”