Challenges and opportunities for the development of inland waterway transportation in Brazil

Despite the presence of numerous navigable rivers in Brazil, they remain underutilized for Inland Waterway Transportation (IWT). Given the recent changes in logistics systems, which aim to reduce reliance on highways due to their high cost and lack of sustainability, it becomes crucial to explore new logistic models in Brazil. Indeed, in recent years there has been a tendency to shift part of the transport from roads to railways, and mainly to waterways. Thus, it is important to inform that with proper planning, waterways can contribute significantly to the Brazilian logistics system. In this sense, in this research we identify the biggest challenges and opportunities faced by IWT in Brazil, which can be faced by other countries too, especially emerging countries. To achieve this objective, interviews were conducted with managers who work in IWT activities in Brazil. Results show that IWT has been recovery of interest in the last years due to the need for cheaper and greener logistics. It was also found that the main challenges that IWT faces are the lack of public policies, followed by a precarious infrastructure of waterways, ports and locks, as well as a modest integration with other transport modes. Conversely, the most significant opportunity lies in the potential reduction of logistics costs, coupled with the enhanced sustainability of logistics activities through the utilization of IWT, thereby fostering greener logistics practices.