Critical Parameters for Mass-Cargo Affine Industries Due to Climate Change in Germany: Impacts of Low Water Events on Industry and Possible Adaptation Measures

Abstract

Most economic models ignore specific information at industry or company level concerning impacts of low water situations on logistic chains and production processes of mass-cargo affine industries. But particularly mass-cargo affine companies are affected by these events, especially regarding their security of supply and transport costs. In order to identify these effects, a survey was conducted. The first results of this survey and of a media analysis on this topic are presented in this publication. The survey included, e.g. the quantity of transported goods, preferred ship sizes, storage capacity, and the perception of sensitivities. Interviewed persons were people in key positions from affected industries (e.g. pharmaceutical and chemical industry, steel production, and hard coal power plants), inland navigation, ports, associations, and research.

Based on these interviews, a flow chart of consequences of low water situations on these companies was developed. The most important critical parameters are water level, bearing capacity of ships, transport expenses, storage capacity, and potentials for traffic relocation. These parameters will be illustrated by giving practical examples of one exemplary company.

It can be assumed that nearly all interviewed firms have already had difficulties in terms of transport because of extreme events (e.g. storms, heat waves, low or high water levels). They anticipate further climate change-induced difficulties. Therefore, the analysis of existing measures and adaptation options is essential to be prepared for possible future changes.

Appendix

Table17.9 Handling on regarded harbours along the river Rhine with their top three categories of goods. Source: Binnenschiffahrt 2005; Umschlagsstruktur der wichtigsten Häfen, DESTATIS (2006a, b)

Harbours and categories of goods	Handling in tonnes per year (t)
Duisburg	49,242,400
Ore and scrap metal; iron, steel and nonferrous metals	30,134,200
Hard coal	6,861,900
Köln	14,975,800
Crude oil, crude oil products, and gas	7,417,600
Chemical products	4,447,900
Earth and stone	1,462,100
Mannheim	8,107,100
Hard coal	2,481,600
Other food and feeding stuff	1,467,500
Chemical products	1,329,000
Ludwigshafen	7,220,700
Chemical products	2,662,200
Crude oil, crude oil products, and gas	2,530,600
Earth and stone	984,500
Karlsruhe	6,513,600
Crude oil, crude oil products, and gas	4,410,600
Hard coal	899,600
Earth and stone	384,600
Neuss	6,136,800
Other food and feeding stuff	1,855,100
Other (semi) finished goods	1,035,200
Ore and scrap metal	845,300
Kehl	3,337,300
Ore and scrap metal; iron, steel and nonferrous metals	2,310,400
Crude oil, crude oil products, and gas	344,800
Krefeld-Uerdingen	3,380,300
Chemical products	1,486,800
Agricultural and forestry products	660,100
Earth and stone	481,600
Wesseling	3,178,800
Crude oil, crude oil products, and gas	2,587,800
Chemical products	591,000
Rheinberg	2,940,000
Hard coal	1,438,600
Earth and stone	784,200
Ore and scrap metal	456,200
Andernach	2,562,600
Earth and stone	1,115,800
Crude oil, crude oil products and gas	505,700
Iron, steel and nonferrous metals	455,200
Mainz	2,780,100
Other food and feeding stuff	1,144,800
Other (semi) finished goods	1,103,200
Earth and stone	240,900
Düsseldorf	2,382,100
Other (semi) finished goods	635,300
Other food and feeding stuff	550,700
Earth and stone	338,400
Leverkusen	2,265,200
Chemical products	1,197,600
Earth and stone	715,200
Hard coal	166,900