Navigation authorities reported that the Rhine river in southern Germany was reopened for cargo shipping Wednesday, after it had been closed Tuesday due to high water.

The German agency for inland navigation said that the water level has dropped to a point where Rhine river shipping can resume around Maxau, in southern Germany.

This week, the shipping on the northern section of the river was operating normally including the important points Duisburg Cologne and Duesseldorf.

The high water meant that vessels did not have the space necessary to pass under bridges, and this caused a blockage which prevented ships from sailing to Switzerland.

The Rhine is a major shipping route for minerals, coal, and oil products like heating oil, grains, and animal feed.

In recent years, the Rhine has suffered from low water levels due to unusually dry summers. (Reporting and editing by Andrew Heavens, Michael Hogan)