Rain in past few days has raised Rhine river water levels in Germany, with vessels able to carry more cargo although most are still sailing around half full, commodity traders said on Thursday.

The Rhine River is seen with low water in Cologne, Germany, on Wednesday. The low water levels are threatening Germany’s industry as more and more ships are unable to traverse the key waterway.

Freight shipping costs on the Rhine river in Germany surged this week as water levels fell further, compelling vessels to sail less than half full, commodity traders said on Thursday.