The National Waterway Transport Agency of Brazil (Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquaviários; ANTAQ) has completed a study to determine the feasibility of improving navigation safety along the Paraguay River, part of which passes through the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul.
Eduardo Nery, Director General of ANTAQ, said that around eight million tonnes of goods were transported via the Paraguay River in 2023, but often under hazardous conditions. Studies project that the volume could increase by nearly four-fold within five years.
Nery added that, to ensure the continued safe and efficient transport through the river, investments must be made in dredging, surveys, and the installation of aids to navigation.
The ANTAQ study has since been submitted to the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) for approval. If approved by MPor, public consultations will be held and further approval must be given by the Union Court of Auditors.
ANTAQ expects to launch a tender for bidders for the improvement concession works in 2025.