BRAZIL EXPANDS NAVIGABLE WATERWAYS BY 279KM

By 2026, the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) plans to invest BRL 30 billion to enhance canal transportation, an efficient and sustainable alternative for cargo flow. According to an Antaq study, Brazil’s waterways expanded by 279 km from 2022 to 2024, reaching 20.4 thousand kilometers, roughly half of the 41.7 thousand km potential identified in the National Waterway Plan. This mode of transport can cut costs and logistical risks while emitting up to five times less pollution than roads and 1.5 times less than rail. The expansion is expected to increase cargo handling to 30 million tons per year by 2030. The General Plan for Concessions has designated six priority waterways, with the Paraguay waterway being the first for concession. A public notice is scheduled for 2026 to connect Corumbá (MS) to the mouth of the Apa River, improving transport efficiency in the Midwest.
Source: Ministério de Portos e Aeroportos (*Translated by Ia Niani)