Status of the dry season in the Amazon

While less severe than in recent years, the 2025 drought in the Amazon still disrupts commercial navigation, particularly along rivers like the Madeira, a crucial artery for barging operations

Madeira River

The Madeira, a major tributary of the Amazon, serves as a primary transport corridor in the North region. Convoys of barges carrying grains, fertilisers, and other commodities in bulk regularly ply the river between barging hubs such as Porto Velho and Humaitá and riverports such as Itacoatiara, Santarém, Vila do Conde (Barcarena), and Santana. Despite sporadic rainfall, the Madeira is experiencing low water levels, forcing convoys to operate with lighter payloads and reduced speeds to prevent groundings and collisions.

Looking ahead, the National Waterway Transport Agency (ANTAQ) has initiated procedures for the concession of a 1,075-kilometre section of the Madeira River, though studies are currently in the preliminary stages.

Amazon River

Reduced water levels on the Amazon River have prompted the River Captaincy of the Western Amazon (CFAOC) to issue the following guidelines for pilots, masters, and skippers:

• Pilots must follow the navigation points designated by the Port Captain
• Night navigation in the Manaus-Itacoatiara stretch may be restricted, depending on the ship’s draft.
• Due to high vessel traffic and reduced river levels, vessels should transit the Tobocal passage and the mouth of the Madeira at the slowest possible speed, without compromising manoeuvrability.

The CFAOC has also released specific guidance for barge convoys, containerships, and ships carrying oil or gas, concerning night navigation, maximum drafts, and underkeel clearance (UKC) requirements for navigation during October and November.

Rio Negro

The Union of River Navigation Companies of the State of Amazonas (Sindarma) estimates that the historic droughts in the Amazon and the wider North region have led to an 80% reduction in cargo volume transported since the beginning of this year’s dry season. Sindarma also pointed out significant difficulties in maintaining the flow and supply of essential products and inputs throughout that northern state.

Low Water Surcharge

The industrial hub of the Manaus Free Trade Zone (ZFM), which relies heavily on inland waterway navigation for manufacturing and assembling consumer products with imported components for distribution across the country, is particularly vulnerable to the consequences of seasonal droughts. However, unlike in previous years, ANTAQ has suspended the Low Water Surcharge (LWS) typically levied on container freight originating from or destined for the port of Manaus. ANTAQ’s board determined that the surcharge was not necessary given the less severe hydrological conditions in the region this year.

Despite the suspension, ANTAQ has stipulated that the LWS can be reinstated if water levels on the Rio Negro fall to or below 17.7 metres before the end of 2026, provided there is sufficient evidence to justify the additional charge.

Navigation hazards and security

Besides logistical challenges posed by low water levels, the Amazon region is also susceptible to armed robbery, with incidents increasing during the dry season. Ships and barge convoys,  especially those carrying fuel products, become more vulnerable to attacks.

To mitigate these risks, thorough passage planning and implementation of preventive measures, as outlined in the ISPS Code and the ship security plan, are essential. Key considerations include:

• Ensuring nautical charts are up to date and navigation equipment, including two radars, is fully functional before entering or leaving the Amazon
• Adhering to all standing procedures and rules set by local maritime authorities, as well as notices to mariners and radio navigational warnings from the Brazilian Navy
• Maintaining a permanent watch on VHF channel 16
• Being vigilant for nearby barge convoys and small craft, such as barges, riverboats, mining rafts and canoes, many of which are constructed from wood and may be difficult to detect with the ship’s navigation equipment.

Please read our disclaimer.