Antaq to receive studies and analyses to strengthen inland waterways in Brazil

Among the main challenges are improving navigability conditions and the predictability of operations (MPor/Disclosure)

The National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) will provide information and data on inland navigation to the Brazilian Association for the Development of Inland Navigation (Abani). In return, the organization will share studies, analyses and technical contributions on the sector.

The measure is part of the memorandum of understanding signed between Antaq and Abani involving institutional cooperation on matters related to Brazilian inland navigation. No timetable was established and no deliverables were defined in advance, according to the Agency. The document, signed last week, is valid for one year and may be extended by means of an amendment.

In a statement, Antaq said that the agenda will be developed according to the priorities identified throughout its implementation. “Among the sector’s main challenges are improving navigability conditions, the predictability of operations, maintaining waterway infrastructure and greater integration of waterways with ports, terminals, railways and highways”, it said.

The instrument provides for the exchange of information, studies, data and knowledge of common interest between the institutions. There will be no transfer of financial resources or donation of assets between the parties.

“Antaq understands that modern regulation increasingly relies on intelligence and the qualified use of technical information. In this regard, the exchange of information and studies, as well as access to data, contributes to expanding the Agency’s analytical capacity, improving its regulatory activities and providing greater support for decision-making”, it said.

The Agency notes that Brazil has an extensive network of rivers and great potential to increase the participation of waterways in the transportation matrix, particularly in the movement of large volumes of cargo.

“Cooperation with Abani is also aligned with Antaq’s understanding that the development of waterway transportation requires coordination among public agencies, dialogue and institutional cooperation with the regulated sector, while preserving the Agency’s powers and procedures”, it said.

Regional realities

In a statement, the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) expressed a positive assessment of the memorandum of understanding and considers that the document is part of a broader movement toward greater institutional cooperation.

This is because Abani also has a technical cooperation agreement with the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (Dnit) to develop studies on dredging and navigation on the Tapajós River, in addition to discussions on a new cooperation agreement concerning the Paraguay River.

“These partnerships expand the information base available for planning, facilitate the identification of bottlenecks and help guide priorities, public policies, infrastructure projects and regulatory measures suited to different regional realities”, it said.

Among MPor’s priorities are improving navigability and operational safety, strengthening waterway and port infrastructure, logistics integration and the structuring of concessions, with attention to efficiency, sustainability and the communities involved.

Low water surcharge

Oversight of the collection of the so-called Low Water Surcharge (LWS), applied by shipping companies during periods of hydrological restrictions in the Amazon Region, will be strengthened by the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq). Under a new system, the imposition of the surcharge will be subject to regulatory approval by the Agency, with an individualized analysis of the information provided by the companies. The measure was published in yesterday’s issue of the Official Gazette of the Federal Government.

In practice, simply notifying the intention to charge the surcharge will not be sufficient for it to be applied to users. Shipping companies must notify Antaq in advance, with at least 30 days’ notice, and submit the technical, operational and economic elements supporting the measure.

They will be required to demonstrate the relationship between river conditions, impacts on operations, any reductions in capacity or additional costs, and the proposed amount to be charged. The analysis may result in approval, approval subject to conditions, or rejection of approval.