Rhine fully re-opens to barge traffic

Quantum Commodity Intelligence - The Rhine fully re-opened to barge traffic Friday after water levels dropped through the week, sources said.

Water levels at Maxau, one of the deepest sections, dropped to 7.45 metres Friday, below the 'Mark II' level that had prevented sailing, according to brokers Riverlake.

"The barges that were waiting idle at Ludwigshafen are all gone and have continued their trip to their final destination," Riverlake added.

Barges had previously been stuck in a queue outside the huge BASF chemical plant Ludwigshafen Verbund for several days.