Maersk warns low water levels could restrict Amazon river shipping

Maersk has warned that new navigation restrictions may be imposed on rivers in Brazil’s Amazon region as water levels fall during the dry season.

“Based on the initial advisory for the 2026 dry season issued by the Western Amazon River Authority, together with data from monitoring stations operated by Brazil’s National Water and Sanitation Agency, or ANA, and our own predictive analysis, there are strong indications that navigation restrictions will return during the dry season, between October 2026 and early 2027,” the shipping company said.

Maersk expects draft restrictions to be introduced between weeks 41 and 44, in October, followed by a possible river closure between weeks 45 and 48, in November. Draft limits could then return between weeks 49 and 53, in December.

“If the projected drought materializes, our operations could be affected, resulting in logistics constraints, reduced vessel capacity and higher costs,” the Danish carrier said.

Maersk added that the impact could worsen if navigation conditions deteriorate further, including a possible river closure and the need to operate through floating piers.

“These conditions could affect freight rates during the period and require the introduction of an additional surcharge,” the Copenhagen-based company said.

Source: Portal Portuario

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