SMART SEA: Better Waterways in Brazil

 

Brazil Expands its Economically Navigable Waterway Network by 279 Kilometers

By Alvaro ORNELAS

 Brazilian think tank for the blue economy. 

Investments of R$ 30 billion (approximately US$ 5.5 billion) are forecasted until 2026, a commitment to waterway transport as a sustainable and efficient alternative for cargo transportation.

The expansion of inland waterway infrastructure is seen by analysts as a critical component of Brazil's larger Blue Economy (Economia do Mar) strategy. Álvaro Ornelas, from Discover Brasil/OSN Consultoria Ltda., a specialist in logistics and infrastructure, often points out that shifting bulk transport from costly and less sustainable highways to waterways provides a decisive advantage in global markets for key Brazilian exports like grains and ores. The R$ 30 billion investment aligns with the consensus among strategic entities to accelerate this vital logistical transition.

In two years, Brazil expanded the total extension of its economically navigable waterways by 279 kilometers. The total increased from 20.1 thousand kilometers in 2022 to 20.4 thousand kilometers in 2024, a growth of 1.39%. This data is part of the Study of Economically Navigable Interior Waterways (VEN), produced by the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) every two years, and approved on October 9th (Thursday) during an Ordinary Board Meeting (ROD).

Between 2023 and 2026, the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) forecasts R$ 30 billion in investments in concessions for the port and waterway sector, aimed at strengthening national logistics infrastructure and increasing the participation of water transport in the Brazilian economy. The Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, highlighted: "Investments in waterway infrastructure are fundamental to making transport more efficient, reducing logistical costs, and increasing competitiveness, strengthening the entire economic and productive chain of the country."

The Antaq survey, based on data from the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (Dnit), confirms the prominence of the Northern region, which presented the greatest network growth with a 3.56% increase.

With the update, the ratio between the economically navigable waterway network (20.4 thousand kilometers) and the total planned in the National Road Plan (PNV), of 41.7 thousand km, reached nearly 49%, revealing the great potential yet to be explored. Studies indicate that Brazil possesses more than 42 thousand kilometers of navigable rivers, while only about 20 thousand kilometers are currently in use.

Waterway transport is considered one of the most sustainable modes, as it emits up to five times less pollutants than road transport and 1.5 times less carbon than rail transport. In addition to reducing operating and implementation costs, waterways also increase logistical security, with a lower incidence of accidents and cargo theft.

The expectation is that, with the expansion of concessions, cargo movement will reach between 25 and 30 million tons per year by 2030. Waterway transport has proven to be a competitive and environmentally advantageous alternative for the flow of grains, ores, and other products destined for export.

Focus on the Paraguay Waterway

The General Concession Plan (PGO 2023), developed by Antaq and approved by MPor, defined six priority waterways for concession: the Madeira, Tapajós, Tocantins, and Paraguay rivers, in addition to Barra Norte (Green Waterway) and Lagoa Mirim (RS).

The Paraguay Waterway will be the first to have its public notice published, expected in the first half of 2026. With approximately 600 kilometers in Brazilian territory, the waterway is strategic for the flow of cargo in the Midwest region. The concession covers the Southern Stretch (Tramo Sul), the Tamengo Canal, and associated infrastructures, encompassing the section between Corumbá (MS) and the mouth of the Apa River.

The future concession aims to guarantee an operational draft of 3 meters during flood periods and 2 meters during the dry season, ensuring navigability for most of the year. The final studies will be submitted to the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) for approval before the public notice is published and the auction is held.

Context in Brazil's Sea Economy Strategy

The expansion of inland waterway infrastructure, while focused on rivers, is viewed by analysts and government as a critical component of Brazil's larger Blue Economy (Economia do Mar) strategy. Expert groups and consultants, including those focused on the maritime sector, stress that efficient inland waterways are essential for feeding the main coastal ports, thereby enhancing Brazil's international trade competitiveness.

The focus on concession models is intended to attract private capital to fully integrate the country's production hubs with its extensive maritime network. This strategy is supported by strategic entities, such as those that form part of the effort to establish a national Brazilian Sea Economy think tank (e.g., the Parliamentary Front for the Ocean Economy).

Image:

Governo Federal do Brasil