BASF SELow Rhine water levels disrupt product supplies and risk production interruptions.

BASF CEO Markus Kamieth said on the 17th that low water levels on the Rhine have made it impossible to fully secure supplies of certain products. Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for a road and rail terminal expansion at the company's Ludwigshafen headquarters, he said there has been no major impact on results so far this year, but that the risk of production interruptions is rising week by week if the drought continues. He explained that the situation remains under control and that preparations for extreme weather are far more advanced than during the 2018 drought. To maintain supplies to its main plant, which sources around 40 percent of its raw materials via the river, the company is increasing its reliance on truck and rail transport in addition to vessels designed for low water levels. The Rhine gauge at Kaub near Koblenz remained at around 6 centimeters on the 17th, close to its record low and well below the 2018 low of 25 centimeters.
BASF SELow Rhine water levels disrupt product supplies and risk production interruptions.