The Paraguayan shipping sector is stepping up pressure for a reduction in toll fees on the Paraná-Paraguay Waterway, ahead of the new concession for the Argentine stretch of the river route. River transport is the backbone of the country's trade, accounting for more than 80% of cargo movement, including agricultural products, industrial goods, and fuels.
Bernd Gunther, president of Paraguay's Center of River and Maritime Shipowners (CAFyM), said the sector sees no justification for maintaining the current fees, which are considered high. He raised doubts about the actual execution of maintenance services and the technical criteria used to set the charges.
Shipowners argue that the toll rate — currently benchmarked at US$1.30 per net registered ton — should be fair and reflect real operating conditions. Logistics operators and captains who travel the route daily point out deficiencies that affect navigation safety and efficiency.
The Argentine government has moved forward with the pre-award of the new concession for the Trunk Navigable Waterway to the consortium formed by Belgian company Jan De Nul and Argentine firm Servimagnus. The group won the technical bid over European competitor DEME. The contract provides for dredging and buoying works along more than 1,635 kilometers of the waterway, with a 30-year term.
The bidding process was marked by political debates, criticism of evaluation timelines, and allegations of alleged irregularities, although the courts authorized the continuation of the tender. Technical roundtables with industry participation continue to hold ongoing meetings to monitor developments.