Brazilian government slates BRL 500 million for dredging in the Amazon

Aiming to ensure safe navigation and the secure passage of goods through the waters that cross Northern Brazil, also keeping an eye on locals’ supply needs, the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports inked, on June 19, a service call for hiring dredging services in four different stretches of the Amazonas and Solimões Rivers. A total of BRL 500 million will be invested to mitigate drought effects in the region.

The service order was signed by Minister Silvio Costa Filho and National Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) Director Erick Moura, which ensures the immediate start of works between Manaus-Itacoatiara; Benjamin Constant-Tabatinga; and Benjamin Constant-São Paulo de Olivença. The funds slated for this endeavor ensure a minimum of five years of uninterrupted work.

Minister Costa Filho underscored the Federal Government’s efforts to recover rivers’ navigation prowess, key to allowing people and goods traffic. “President Lula instructed us at the Ministry of Ports and Airports, and the Ministry of Transport to push this project forward. We are talking about the largest investment in dredging in the history of Amazonas, which will undoubtedly be included in the State’s strategic program so that the productive sector may reflect this great responsibility and we can move forward on this very important issue for the region,” he said.

Costa Filho also pointed out that over R$150 million was spent on emergency measures to lessen the effects of the drought in the North Region last year. “We are now investing more than R$500 million to provide access to ships and barges and guarantee the safe passage of goods,” he concluded.

The governor of Amazonas, Wilson Lima, participated in the ceremony remotely. During his speech, he thanked the Federal Government for its assistance and mentioned that the works slated for this year were anticipated in many months, which could alleviate the effects of the drought. “We will need help in the form of dredging. I want to praise the initiative of bringing forward these actions as they come at a good time. I hope we can see the least possible impact during this period”, he concluded.

The director of Waterway Infrastructure, Erick Moura, recalled that the government has been working preventively to minimize impacts on the local population. “The Federal Government is present; it is active and it cares. It has also learned from last year’s challenges.” Mr. Moura emphasized some of the advantages of the contract drawn up and signed by the bodies. “The contract will come in aid both during low tide times and drought”, he said.

Drought mitigation efforts

In April this year, DNIT experts inspected the locations most affected by the drought, in addition to running bathymetry services. The process mapped water depths in oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers, using equipment such as sonars and echosounders. The data collected during the inspections helped formulate preventive actions to reduce the effects of drought in the Amazon region.

One of the main logistical transport axes in the North, the Madeira River is part of Arco Norte, which covers the states of Acre, Rondônia, Amazonas, Pará, Mato Grosso, and Tocantins, and guarantees the product flow through the Amazon River and its tributaries. According to data from the National Waterborne Transport Agency (Antaq), the Madeira River transported 3.32 million of cargo in the first quarter of 2024, a sum 12.93% higher compared to the same period in 2023 ( 2.94 million).

Sharing is caring!