The Amazon region is currently experiencing an environmental crisis including unprecedented drought conditions that have led to a drastic reduction in river water levels making navigation increasingly risky whereby a state of emergency has been declared.
Recent reports of severe drops in water levels include:
Rio Negro River: Water levels have rapidly dropped at Manaus to 52.5 feet (15,99 meters) dramatically affecting river transportation. The addition of sandbags and port locations have further complicated logistics at Manaus.
Solimōes River: Water depth reached 5.9 feet (1.79 meters) at Tabatinga, 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) at Itapéua and 33 feet (10.15 meters) at Fonte Boa.
Madeira River: Water depth has dropped to 2 feet (0.6 meters) at Porto Velho.
Acre River: Water depth has dropped to 4.2 feet (1.28 meters).
Tapajós River: Water levels have experienced low near record low water levels at Itaituba.
Amazon River: Water levels at Óbidos has fallen to 3.8 feet (1.17 meters). The river is on the verge of being unnavigable for large ships. Larger ships are now being replaced by smaller barges that are able to navigate shallower waters.
Drought conditions are forecasted to deteriorate further in the coming months. The Amazon River may become unnavigable for larger vessels.
Recommendations Members should consider the following:
– Check with their local agents and correspondents to determine if conditions permit for safe navigation for inland Brazilian rivers; and
– If navigating waters in the region:
– stay up to date on local navigation restrictions and weather forecasts; – adjust operations and draft requirements accordingly to ensure safe navigation; and – establish and remain in contact with local authorities and agents for updates on navigating conditions
Your Managers recommend that Members take note of this information and be guided accordingly and thank Rabb Carvalho Advocacia for their assistance on this topic and for providing the information upon which this Alert has been based
