Shrinking Rhine: shipping scrapes by as river stays at lowest level for 40 years

Low rainfall in river's catchment area and possible climate change factors could mean current situation remains or worsens, say experts

The Rhine has been hit by its longest period of low water in 40 years, Dutch officials said on Wednesday, raising inland shipping costs and fears of collisions on one of Europe's busiest rivers.

"The Netherlands is currently hit by the lowest water levels in the Rhine since 1976," said the Rijkswaterstaat, the department tasked with dealing with transport infrastructure.