Trials to reopen the Mosel River to domestic freight shipping have shown early success, according to German navigation authorities. The river, a vital corridor for transporting grains and rapeseed between Germany and France, was temporarily closed following a lock accident last week.
Progress and Monitoring
The damaged lock at Sankt Aldegund, located between Koblenz and Trier, is currently functioning for bi-directional vessel traffic, with authorities conducting inspections after each transit. A weekly underwater assessment by divers is also planned to ensure safety and structural integrity.
If the current progress holds, the inland waterways navigation agency WSA expects to fully normalize traffic in the coming days.
Background Impact
A similar lock incident in December 2024 led Euronext to suspend physical deliveries to eastern French river ports for its rapeseed futures, highlighting the broader market impact of disruptions along the Mosel (Moselle) River.
While shipping has cautiously resumed, ongoing inspections will determine whether the damaged lock can support sustained traffic. The restoration of this key freight route is crucial for European agricultural trade flows.
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Source: Reuters
