The Port of Hamburg is promoting its rail connections with Cologne and Duisburg as an alternative to Rhine barge transport during periods of low water.
Persistent low water levels on the Rhine can restrict inland vessel capacity and extend transit times. They may also increase costs for export cargo moving through Antwerp and Rotterdam.
Hamburg said its combined transport services can provide an alternative route for container traffic between western Germany and the North Sea ports.
HGK Logistics and Intermodal and IGS Intermodal Container Logistics operate regular rail connections from Cologne and Duisburg to Hamburg.
The services run independently of water levels on the Rhine. This provides cargo owners with greater predictability when inland waterway operations face restrictions.
According to the Port of Hamburg, the rail links offer an efficient and lower-impact alternative to barge transportation.
HGK and IGS can also support companies seeking to transfer container volumes from inland waterways to rail.
The Port of Hamburg recommended early transport planning during periods of low water, when demand for alternative capacity may increase.
The services cover container movements in both directions.
Export cargo can move by rail from Cologne and Duisburg to Hamburg’s seaport terminals. Import containers arriving in Hamburg can also travel directly to the two inland destinations.
The connections aim to provide predictable transit times and maintain a continuous transport chain when conditions on the Rhine affect barge services.
