Economically navigable waterway network expands over the past two years

In two years, the total length of economically navigable waterways in Brazil has increased by 279 km. The number rose from 20.1 thousand km in 2022 to 20.4 thousand km in 2024, representing a 1.39% increase.

The data comes from the Study of Economically Navigable Inland Waterways (VEN), conducted every two years by the National Waterway Transport Agency (ANTAQ). The new figures were approved last Thursday (09/10) during the agency’s Regular Board Meeting (ROD).

The survey updates the waterway transport matrix for cargo and passenger origin/destination across the country’s navigable network, based on information collected by the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT).

Director Caio Farias, who presented the report, emphasized that the study “highlights the potential for integration with neighboring South American countries through cross-border waterway corridors, contributing to the strengthening of regional and international logistics.”

The study also details results by Hydrographic Region. Once again, the North Region showed the largest increase in navigable waterways, with a 3.56% gain, reinforcing the strategic importance of inland water transport for territorial integration — especially in that region.

With the update, the ratio between the current economically navigable network (20.4 thousand km) and that projected in the National Transport Plan (PNV) (41.7 thousand km) has reached nearly 49%.

Since waterways account for half of Brazil’s navigable routes and represent one of the most sustainable transport modes, ANTAQ has been working on public policies to promote their use, including waterway concessions.

Waterways are four to five times less polluting than road transport and emit 1.5 times less carbon than railways. They have lower implementation and operating costs than road and rail modes, as well as lower fatal accident rates and lower cargo theft and loss rates.

Source: Informativo dos Portos 

Sharing is caring!