Dömitz port closed due to dryness - shipping at the end!

Dömitz port closed due to dryness - shipping at the end!

Dömitz, Deutschland - The persistent drought in northern Germany has now also reached the port of Dömitz. According to the current reports by Ostsee-Zeitung Hafen, which was located in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, was blocked due to the dramatically low water level. Port master Michael Kirstein announced that shipping in the region has come to a standstill. Neither cargo ship nor sports boats can drive on the section, and only occasionally a canoe is used.

The situation is particularly critical: On Monday morning, a water level was measured by zero centimeters, and a water depth of only 18 centimeters, reports the NDR . Kirstein fears that this situation will continue for some time. Rain is urgently needed to improve the water situation. A slight increase in the water level is predicted for the end of the week, but this is hardly relevant for shipping.

consequences of drought

The effects of the current drought are not only noticeable in the port of Dömitz, but also affect the entire shipping along the Elbe. While the level in the port is already the lowest stand, apart from a similar event in August 2018, the water depth in the Elbe itself is about two meters, which, despite the worrying values, still complicates navigation.

The local water protection police also have to struggle with the consequences of the water shortage. Your boathouse in the harbor can no longer be used, but alternative transport options are available. According to Kirstein, the chances of improving the water supply are not only in the room, but also depend on the possible opening of the dams in the Czech Republic, which could make a decisive contribution to regulating the Elbe.

A look into the future

Shipping in the region looks into the future with concern. The hope for persistent rain and other measures to increase the water level remains great. The Federal Environment Ministry has the situation in view, and the federal waterway and shipping management of the federal government predicts an increase in the level, but there is currently no short-term improvement in sight. In conversation with SPIEGEL becomes clear: So it remains to be seen how nature will develop in the coming days.