A lock accident on the Moselle in early December has stranded over 70 ships, disrupted cargo transport until at least March 2025, and prompted Luxembourg ministers to assess solutions at Mertert port to safeguard supply chains and minimise economic fallout.
Over 70 ships have been stranded on the Moselle following the lock accident in Müden in early December, though by noon on Tuesday, nine were successfully freed after being towed away through a temporary structure. As cargo transport on the route had to be suspended until March 2025 at least, Luxembourg Ministers Yuriko Backes and Lex Delles visited the Mertert port on Tuesday to assess the situation.
Delles reiterated his stance that the consequences will not be severe, seeing no issue with oil supplies and noting that while 20% of imports arrive via the Moselle, current stock levels are sufficient to avoid major issues. Additionally, Delles explained that the Mertert transportation hub should allow for swift changes to rail and road transport if needed.
Logistical challenges
A shift to road transport will likely result in more lorry traffic. Mobility Minister Backes has therefore proposed easing restrictions on weekend and holiday lorry driving, following the example of Rhineland-Palatinate. "I intend to propose an exception to the government in light of the extraordinary circumstances we are facing", Backes announced on Tuesday.
The government's priority is to ensure the supply chain remains functional. Delles explained that while alternatives exist for transporting goods such as scrap metal and construction sand, they are more expensive. Ship transport offers the best "cost-benefit ratio" for moving large volumes, he underlined.
The accident has also affected businesses in Luxembourg, with three companies already having applied for part-time work, a clear case of unforeseeable circumstances, according to Delles. The politician conveyed that the port itself and two transportation firms with nothing to deliver or collect have been challenged by the situation, further warning that other companies might follow, particularly those reliant on imports or exports through the port.
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Repairs underway
Efforts are underway to ensure all blocked ships on the Moselle are cleared by Christmas, while the lock in Müden is expected to be operational again by March.
In discussions with her German counterpart, Backes plans to highlight the importance of installing two chambers at each lock to prevent such disruptions in the future. However, this solution would come with a steep cost of €120 million per lock, and seven such installations on the German side would have to be modernised, according to Backes, who noted that they will therefore explore the possibility of EU co-financing support.
The accident itself will also incur costs, but it is too early to estimate the total. Luxembourg has offered support to Germany, including materials and personnel, but finding solutions remains Germany's responsibility, according to authorities.
