Brazil’s federal government is gearing up for a game-changing initiative to boost its transportation infrastructure by awarding six waterway concessions. This bold plan, estimated to bring in around $714 million, aims to modernize the country’s navigable rivers, vital for logistics. The Ministry of Ports and Airports and the National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ) are orchestrating a General Grant Plan to kickstart concessions in 2025. These 12-year contracts will mandate regular dredging to ensure river navigability, allowing concessionaires to levy tolls on large cargo vessels.
The first project, the Madeira River, is expected to go up for bidding early 2025, with others like the Paraguay River and Lagoa Mirim following suit. These concessions are set to slash export costs for grains, bolstering trade and facilitating the construction of the Ferrogrão railway. With Brazil set to triple its navigable waterway capacity, this shift promises to be less polluting and more cost-effective than traditional transport modes. As the country embarks on this transformative journey, it anticipates a logistics revolution that will enhance exports and drive economic growth.