Argentina has long underutilized its rivers for transportation, with only 0.6% of cargo moved by barges compared to 83% by trucks and 16% by trains. In contrast, countries like Brazil and Australia leverage inland waterways for over 15% of their freight. A recent study by the UADE Institute, commissioned by the National Academy of Business Sciences, highlights three river basins with significant potential to transform Argentina's logistics and economy: the Bermejo, Carcarañá-Río Tercero, and Río Negro. Developing these waterways could enhance maritime transport efficiency, reduce costs, and support regional growth, making them critical for maritime professionals to understand.

Potential of the Bermejo Basin

The Bermejo River, flowing through Jujuy, Salta, Formosa, and Chaco, offers a promising opportunity for inland navigation. The study estimates that an investment of USD 3.07 billion could yield annual economic benefits of USD 8.91 billion. This basin's development could facilitate cargo transport, particularly for agricultural and mineral exports, including lithium from northern Argentina. For maritime professionals, this presents opportunities to operate barges in a region with growing economic activity, requiring expertise in navigating challenging river conditions and managing bulk cargo.

Carcarañá-Río Tercero: A High-Yield Opportunity

Located between Córdoba and Santa Fe, the Carcarañá-Río Tercero basin stands out for its export potential. Developing this waterway would require USD 4.42 billion but could generate up to USD 20 billion annually. Its strategic location in Argentina's agricultural heartland makes it ideal for transporting grains and other commodities to international markets. For seafarers, this basin offers prospects for handling large-scale cargo operations, emphasizing the need for skills in logistics coordination and environmentally sustainable navigation practices.

Río Negro: Gateway to Vaca Muerta

The Río Negro basin, connecting Río Negro and Neuquén, requires an estimated USD 2.57 billion for development, with direct annual returns of USD 2.87 billion and indirect benefits tied to the Vaca Muerta oil and gas field, potentially worth USD 20 billion. This waterway could support the transport of energy-related materials, creating demand for maritime professionals skilled in handling specialized cargo and navigating rivers with industrial activity. The basin's development also promises to boost tourism, offering opportunities for passenger vessel operations.

Efficiency of Waterway Transport

Inland waterways are far more efficient than other transport modes. A barge can move one ton of cargo 250 kilometers using just one liter of fuel, compared to 90 kilometers by train and 23 kilometers by truck. This efficiency extends to environmental impact: barges emit 0.5 to 1.5 kg of CO₂ per ton-kilometer, significantly less than trucks (5.5 to 16.5 kg) and trains (0.65 to 1.95 kg). For maritime professionals, this underscores the importance of mastering river navigation to support cost-effective and eco-friendly transport solutions.

Financing and Implementation

The UADE study suggests a diversified funding approach, combining national and provincial resources, public-private partnerships, and loans from institutions like the World Bank, BID, or CAF. The estimated USD 10 billion investment could be recouped quickly through increased export revenues and reduced logistics costs. For maritime trainees, understanding the financial and logistical frameworks behind waterway development is crucial for roles in project management and operations planning.

Broader Impacts

Developing these waterways would not only enhance Argentina's export competitiveness but also stimulate regional economies. Improved river access could attract industries, boost tourism, and create jobs for small and medium enterprises. For seafarers, this opens opportunities in diverse areas, from cargo handling to passenger transport and infrastructure support. Training in river navigation, cargo management, and environmental regulations will be essential to capitalize on these developments.

Argentina's secondary waterways hold immense potential to revolutionize its transport sector. By investing in the Bermejo, Carcarañá-Río Tercero, and Río Negro basins, the country can reduce logistics costs, lower carbon emissions, and drive economic growth. For maritime professionals, these projects highlight the need for specialized skills in inland navigation, cargo operations, and sustainable practices to meet the demands of an evolving industry.

Source: Adapted from Argenports.com