Shipping crisis on the Danube

Low water levels in the Danube River are putting shipping in the Bulgarian section to a serious test. Currently, two ships are grounded near Somovit and Zagrazhden, while others are waiting for their cargo to be transferred in order to pass through the critical sections at Belene, Vardim, and Batin.

For carriers, reduced cargo means higher transport costs and serious delivery delays.

The reasons for the situation are complex:

  • Prolonged drought in Europe.
  • Lack of precipitation in the upper reaches of the river.
  • Early drop in levels, with forecasts for record lows at the end of August.

What measures are being taken?

The Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River (EAEMDR) is working actively to prevent a complete halt of shipping:

  • Dredging the riskiest zones.
  • Determining a new fairway trajectory.
  • Installing new illuminated navigation signs with real-time monitoring sensors.