Shipping of goods affected by Danube River Freeze

 The Freeze of Danube River, a key waterway in central Europe has caused the interruption of trade in the region.Central European countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Serbia which still rely heavily on the Danube for trade have all suspended transportation of goods on the river which is greatly affected by ice.In Austria shipping of goods was stopped in some sections of the river, precluding the transportation of goods beyond national boundaries.Bulgaria and Romania are the countries most affected by the freeze, since both of them transport around 20% of their freight through inland waterways and mainly the Danube. The lack of capacity in the road and rail mode in these countries as well as the type of products transported through the River makes it difficult for these two countries to change to other transportation modes.