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MSC steps up with viable alternatives to drought-hit European barge traffic

MSC appears to have got ahead of the competition along North Europe's beleaguered inland waterways, informing customers that it has implemented a series of measures to ensure continuity of operations amid continuing drought. 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. In addition, be aware that also the Hengelo corridor is currently impacted by navigation obstructions, which may also affect inland waterway transport options in that region." Consequently, MSC is offering a range of alternative modes, with rail capacity available on routes linked to Athus, Strasbourg, Woerth, Germersheim, Frankfurt, and Trier, and dedicated trucking for shipments deemed "urgent or time-sensitive". Another option being explored is using Belgium's Albert Canal, which remains largely operational as the Rhine deals with historic low waters, MSC noting the port of Limburg as an "effective alternative gateway for cargo moving to and from Germany". Sources have also suggested the Albert Canal as one of the better alternatives for those looking to avoid the Rhine, one telling the Loadstar the waterway's capacity to handle above-average volumes is evident in the explosion in cruise activity. "Historic lows on the Rhine are forcing shipping companies to adjust their routes, and this is equating to increased demand for berths for river cruises, with the city having already received 75 additional requests," one barge owner said. "There are still enough berths for everyone. 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." So, why not on the cargo side?

No charge for Bab al-Mandab Strait transits, Houthis tell The Loadstar

Yemen's Houthi rebels have rejected reports alleging their intent to impose tolls on transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, with carriers seemingly showing more faith in the Iran-backed group as crossings increase. Citing "unspecified regional sources", Reuters reported last week, also covered by The Loadstar, that "the Houthis may start to impose fees on international commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and Bab al Mandeb Strait". But the group told The Loadstar: "We categorically deny these claims and confirm we have neither taken nor considered decisions to impose fees for transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait. "We emphasise [that] transit through the Bab al-Mandab Strait is free of charge. Furthermore, the services we provide - including the Safe Transit Service for vessels - are, as is well known, entirely free of charge." Conditions in the Red Sea have been somewhat confusing for several years, with an on-off campaign being conducted by the Houthis as part of their support for Israel's war on Palestine. The current working assumption is that all vessels may be subject to attack, but the Houthis have reduced their core target list to ships explicitly supporting the Israeli state, particularly Zim. Some clarity was provided in the statement to The Loadstar, the group noting: "All vessels outside the scope of the declared ban may transit safely. Additionally, for added assurance, such vessels may submit a safe transit request". It added: "We categorically confirm that any individual or entity requesting the payment of money in exchange for transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait does not represent the Republic of Yemen or HOCC in any capacity whatsoever." Carriers seem to be listening, with CMA CGM and Maersk having upped their Suez transits and Linerlytica reporting that the number of containerships detouring around the Cape of Good Hope has dropped to a 2.5-year low. Hovering around 5.2% of the global containership fleet, this drop is pronounced - at their peak, diversions accounted for 16% of the fleet. Linerlytica said: "CMA CGM and Maersk continue to drive the early return to the trans-Suez route, directing ships on their EPIC and AE11 westbound voyages through the Bab el Mandeb. The ships will avoid calling at Saudi ports and will head directly to Suez."

Flexport - the losses mount (again) and paper value drops (again)

Every dog has its day, they say. Rewind You may recall this Premium piece published at the end of 2025: 'Flexport in Spaghetti-land - Pacman's shared insight'. It was about me allegedly being "utterly wrong", according to Flexport president Sanne Manders, who commented on my previous 'Flexport's healing' take, seemingly (to me) comparing apples and oranges. Side disclosure: Flexport is private, so I asked for a clarification call with Manders soon after my Spaghetti-land-part-one coverage; still waiting to hear back.