Heat and Drought: Combating Production Challenges in Ludwigshafen

BASF SE has modified production and logistics procedures at its Ludwigshafen site in response to new restrictions on volumes of cooling water that may be extracted from the Rhine during the ongoing heatwave.

The restrictions, which have been introduced to counter falling water levels includes limits on the volumes and temperature of water re-entering manufacturing plants from the river.

Authorities have also indicated use of the Rhine as an inland waterway for transporting goods and raw materials may be curtailed in the event of water levels failing to recover.

In view of the weather and water level forecasts, BASF is preparing to shift to alternative modes of transport in consultation with its customers. In individual cases, delivery bottlenecks may occur if the current weather situation persists.