Mercedes-Benz cargo ship stuck in Düsseldorf harbor

A cargo ship carrying Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans has become stuck in a basin at the Port of Düsseldorf. The vessel, which flies a Dutch flag and measures 135 meters in length and 12 meters in width, has been unable to exit the basin since Monday.

Water police reported that low water levels caused by drought have made it impossible for a tugboat to safely approach and free the ship without risking damage to the vessel. A spokesperson for the Neuss-Düsseldorfer Häfen suggested the captain may have misjudged the weight of the cargo during maneuvering attempts.

The incident highlights the ongoing impact of drought on the Rhine, where low water levels have restricted shipping traffic, forced ferries to suspend operations, and increased costs for industries relying on the river for raw materials and spare parts. While the stuck ship blocks a single basin, it has not disrupted general shipping traffic in the harbor or on the Rhine.