The current water levels at Rhine and Elbe river are decreasing and at most places far below average. For example, level at Kaub is only 131 cm instead of 226 cm as usual. These low levels also have effects to barge transports: due to reduces draft the barges are forced to reduce their loading capacity which results in a higher frequency of shipping resp. the use of more barges in order to cope with the same volmume of goods. Some carriers already announced a low water surcharge, other will follow soon.