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Structure in Itacoatiara Maintains Supply to Manaus Amid Extreme Drought
To face the unprecedented water crisis in the Amazon in 2024, a innovative floating pier was installed in Itacoatiara (AM). Thus, this structure, operated by Log-In Logística Integrada and developed by Chibatao Group, quickly became essential for the flow of goods. As a result, the project was highlighted at the Ilos 2024 Forum, attracting the attention of industry leaders and consolidating itself as a crucial solution to reduce the impacts of drought on logistics in the region.
Understand Drought and Its Effect on Logistics
Today, almost 80% of the products that supply Manaus arrive by river. However, the level of the Amazon River has dropped to just 12 meters, which makes it impossible for large vessels to safely navigate. As a result, logistics have been seriously affected, putting the supply of essential products to the population at risk. Therefore, the creation of the floating pier emerged as a quick and effective response, allowing the transshipment of goods onto ferries and avoiding a logistical collapse.
How the Floating Pier Works and Its Advantages
The floating pier is designed to adjust to changing river levels while maintaining continuous operations. This flexibility allows for direct transfer of containers from ships to barges, eliminating the need for unloading on land. In addition, the system saves time and costs. As a result, transportation remains safe and agile, ensuring supply even in extreme drought conditions.
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Main Benefits of the “Carousel” System
Through the “carousel” system, the constant flow of ferries allows up to 180 containers to be transported per convoy, maintaining an average of 24 cargo movements per hour. This makes the method fast and safe, reducing the risk of delays and congestion. In addition, it minimizes interruptions that could affect the cost of products. According to Jhony Fidelis, director of Grupo Chibatão, the strategy was essential to ensure continuous transportation in the region.
First Operation and Effective Collaboration
In September, the ship Log-In Rosewood carried out the first operation on the floating pier, transporting 1.032 containers to Itacoatiara. Of this total, 360 containers were transferred to barges, while the rest continued on to Manaus on the ship itself. Marcus Voloch, Log-In's vice president of Navigation, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the private sector and the government, which was decisive for the approval and rapid implementation of the project.
Floating Pier: Temporary or Permanent Solution?
Initially, the floating pier was intended as a temporary measure. However, with frequent droughts expected, it could become a permanent structure. Other sectors, such as agribusiness, have also shown interest in similar floating solutions. However, to ensure long-term safety and effectiveness, Voloch and Fidelis advocate new infrastructure investments, such as dredging channels and port improvements.
Sustainable Public-Private Collaboration
The floating pier project in Itacoatiara proves that collaboration between the public and private sectors can result in rapid and sustainable solutions to local crises. In addition, the structure has been essential in guaranteeing the supply of Manaus and maintaining production in the Free Trade Zone. In this way, the pier prevents a logistical collapse and ensures economic stability for the local population.
