Norcoast presents drought mitigation solution

Norcoast, a Brazilian coastal shipping company, in partnership with Super Terminais, has announced a new solution to mitigate potential impacts from the upcoming dry season in the Amazon region. The operation will focus on transshipping containers using a 240-meter-long, 24-meter-wide floating pier installed in the Itacoatiara region. This facility is expected to be operational by September, potentially sooner, depending on river levels and the progress of the government’s dredging operations. The goal is to maintain logistics flowing during the dry season.

Ricardo Nuno, Operations Director at Norcoast, explained that this terminal will be strategically positioned before two critical points on the Amazon River—Tabocal and Enseada do Rio Madeira—where low water levels during the dry season make it impossible for larger ships to pass. “With this solution, all cargo will be transferred onto barges capable of navigating the river and delivering the containers to Manaus,” he stated.

Technically, the operation will involve Norcoast ships docking at the floating pier while barges moor alongside it. Three cranes with 64-meter arms will then unload the containers from the vessels and place them onto the barges for the continued journey.

The dry season is not new to the Amazon, but this year’s drought is expected to be more severe than last year, raising concerns about supply disruptions during a period of high demand as businesses prepare for the holiday season.

Gustavo Paschoa, CEO of Norcoast, emphasized the situation’s seriousness, noting that rivers serve as the primary transportation routes in the Amazon, driving the regional economy. “We are introducing this mitigation measure to ensure coastal navigation remains uninterrupted during the dry season, preserving logistical flow in the region. We are acutely aware of the economic and social impact a severe drought can have, as we saw last year, and all indications point to a similar situation this year,” he added.

Marcello Di Gregorio, Director of Super Terminais and Norcoast’s partner in this operation stated, “The Itacoatiara Operation is an initiative and investment by Super Terminais to alleviate the effects of the dry season on the Amazonian industry. It not only ensures the continued flow of production from the Free Trade Zone during severe low-water periods but also contributes to the region’s economic stability, showcasing our commitment to innovation and resilience in the face of climate challenges.”

Transporting goods along the Amazon River is crucial to Brazil’s economy. According to the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq), the Amazon Hydrographic Region moved over 71 million tonnes of cargo last year alone, with the Amazon River being the primary route. It carried over 34 million tonnes of food, construction materials, industrial supplies, and fuels.

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