Grain movement by waterway increases by more than 780% in 13 years

The transport of soybeans and corn by waterways in Brazil has registered a significant increase, reflecting a significant change in the country's agricultural logistics. According to the National Supply Company (Conab), the volume transported by this mode jumped from 3,4 million tons in 2010 to 30 million tons in 2023, a growth of 782,35%.

The evolution of waterway transport follows the greater use of the Arco Norte ports, which are currently responsible for around a third of the volume of grains exported by Brazil. "The results are the result of sectoral development driven by the 2013 Ports Law", explains Thomé Guth, Superintendent of Operational Logistics at Conab. After the law, there was a jump in authorizations for private port facilities, from just 3 in 2013 to 75 the following year, reflecting the stimulus for private initiative in the sector.

The waterway mode offers not only a more economical alternative for transporting large volumes in a single trip, but also significant environmental benefits. Silvio Farnese, director of the Department of Economic Analysis and Public Policies at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, highlights the cost reduction and lower environmental impact. "This reduces the time trucks spend on the roads, reducing the production of gases that are harmful to the environment," says Farnese.

Despite advances, the expansion of the waterway modal faces challenges, such as the need to improve the performance of waterways and build more transshipment terminals to facilitate intermodality. Integration with other modes, such as railways, is essential to increase the competitiveness of Brazilian grains in the international market. The North-South railway, for example, offers new logistical options, increasing the competitiveness of national products.

Increasing the use of alternative modes does not mean eliminating road transport. "Integration changes the approach to highway use, allowing truck drivers to take shorter routes, which reduces vehicle wear and tear and improves workers' quality of life", highlights Guth.