The Ministry of Ports and Airports opened a public consultation on Tuesday (August 1) regarding the concession of the Integrated Waterway System of the South and Lagoa Mirim (RS), considered the country's first of its kind. The initiative, undertaken jointly with the National Agency for Aquatic Transport (Antaq), aims to improve the efficiency of inland waterway transport and strengthen the connection between Brazil and Uruguay. The deadline for submissions is August 15.
During this period, representatives from the productive sector, port operators, entities and other interested parties may submit suggestions to improve the proposal before the publication of the concession bid through the electronic form available on the Antaq website. Should they wish to attach supplementary documents, such as maps, plans and photographs, submission should be made to the email anexo_audiencia062026@antaq.gov.br.
The Aquatic System of the South and Lagoa Mirim encompasses an extension of 510 kilometers. The concession will have a term of 25 years, renewable for up to 70 years, and provides for investments of R$ 134 million.
The improvement of logistics infrastructure and the creation of a strategic outlet for Uruguayan exports through the Port of Rio Grande are among the benefits expected from the concession.
Dredging of Lagoa Mirim
In the dredging of Lagoa Mirim, investments total R$ 57.9 million, with R$ 6.7 million for supervision of the works. The contract includes the preparation of executive projects, the execution of maintenance dredging and the implementation and maintenance of nautical signage for the navigable channel. The resources are part of the New PAC (Growth Acceleration Program of the Government of Brazil) and will be applied between 2026 and 2028.
Lagoa Mirim is part of a waterway corridor connected to the São Gonçalo Canal and Lagoa dos Patos, enabling international cargo transport between the two countries. Currently, the main operational constraint of the system is the insufficient depth of the navigable channel, a condition that will be addressed by the dredging works.
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