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RECORD LOW RIVER LEVELS IN THE AMAZON BASIN
Published: 5 September 2024
River levels in the Amazon Basin for August have hit a record low compared to historical data. Typically, the driest period in the Amazon Basin occurs between September and November. The ‘Management and Operational Center of the Amazon Protection System’ (Censipam), an agency linked to the Ministry of Defence, predicts a severe drought (the highest level on the drought scale) for the Amazon Basin.
Manaus is the main container transhipment port in the Amazon, and other ports in the Amazon Basin handle various agricultural products and minerals. The drought in the Amazon Basin poses challenges for shipowners and operators, leading to additional costs in fees and complications due to falling river depths, which can affect navigation in the Amazon River and its tributaries.
The federal government has allocated $500 million for dredging critical sections of the Amazon River and the Solimões River. However, the commencement date of the work is unknown. Temporary repositioning of buoys or installation of signals may also be carried out to aid navigation. The container terminals at Manaus Port intend to install floating piers off Itacoatiara Port to mitigate the issues caused by falling river levels, which prevent seagoing container vessels from accessing Manaus Port.
The Club advises Members with vessels calling at ports in the Amazon Basin to contact local correspondents, terminal operators, or agents well in advance for the latest information on draught control and navigation restrictions. Ships should ensure their navigation charts are up to date, plot all relevant navigation warnings and exercise heightened caution while navigating the Amazon rivers.