The seasonal decline in the Paraguay River's water level is reducing the cargo capacity of vessels operating on the waterway, particularly in the stretch north of Asunción. Bernd Gunther, president of the Paraguayan Center of River and Maritime Shipowners (Cafym), confirmed that the downward trend, common between July and August, is already imposing logistical limitations, although there is no total interruption of navigation.
According to Gunther, the draft in waters north of the capital is restricted to 9.5 feet, forcing ships to transport less cargo. "As we approach 9 feet, we already see that the cargo capacity of the ships is more limited," the executive stated. In contrast, the southern region presents a current level of 11.5 feet, allowing for more regular operation without major immediate restrictions for vessels.
The sector awaits improved weather conditions to reverse the situation. The river's flow depends heavily on rainfall at strategic points in the basin, such as the Brazilian Pantanal. Expectations are placed on the El Niño phenomenon, which could bring sufficient precipitation to raise water levels. If the current trend continues without significant improvement, an even lower draft is predicted for December. However, Gunther emphasizes that the arrival of rains at that time should be sufficient to allow navigable levels to recover.