Paraguay Launches Largest Container Ship to Cruise Paraguay River

In a milestone for regional river transport, Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña, alongside Minister of Public Works and Communications Claudia Centurión and other officials, underscored the importance of this achievement in strengthening the nation’s logistics infrastructure, boosting international trade, and positioning Paraguay as a key player on the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway.

“The Paraguay River is our lifeline—the artery that enables Paraguay to thrive as a trading nation. However, none of this would have been possible without the vision and ambition of the Paraguayan people. Today, with the launch of the largest ship on the Hidrovía, I envision Paraguay becoming the most competitive and developed country in the region,” Peña said, calling the river the backbone of the country’s economic growth.

Peña also highlighted recent efforts to improve the river’s navigability, such as the removal of 13 rock formations that had impeded transit during low-water seasons. “This is just the beginning of the changes we aim to bring. We want the Hidrovía to be faster and more competitive because Paraguay has the potential to become a great nation if we work together—public and private sectors alike,” he added.

A Game-Changer for River TransportSupport

The Don Toyo is the largest container vessel ever launched on the Paraguay River, with a capacity for 906 containers. It measures 119.8 meters in length, 30 meters in beam, and 5.5 meters in depth. Powered by engines delivering 3,000 horsepower, the ship is built to enhance cargo transport efficiency, improve logistics along the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway, and streamline Paraguay’s international trade operations.

The vessel, manned by a crew of 15 to 20, will connect Paraguayan container ports in Asunción, Villeta, and Mariano Roque Alonso with major hubs in Montevideo (Uruguay) and Buenos Aires (Argentina). The next steps include completing flagging procedures with the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), after which the Don Toyo will begin operations under Transporte Fluvial Paraguayo, part of the Toyotoshi Group.

Fonte: MOPC – Governo do Paraguai