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The Paraguayan Naval Prefecture (PGN) has issued Resolution No. 200/25, establishing new maximum permitted draft limits for vessels navigating the Paraguay River. The measure takes immediate effect and was adopted in response to current hydrometric conditions, aiming to ensure safe navigation and environmental protection while maintaining the flow of cargo traffic.

Correspondent Simonsen brings us this update.

According to the new regulation, tug and barge convoys may navigate with drafts ranging from 8 feet in the northern sections (Bahía Negra to Concepción) to 11 feet in the southern stretch (Pilar to Confluencia). Meanwhile, self-propelled vessels, such as container ships and tankers, are limited to 10 feet between Puerto Pabla and Confluencia.

The Prefecture also established operational rules for navigating under the Nanawa and Remanso Castillo bridges, requiring convoys to be fractioned depending on load condition: when sailing in ballast, each cut may have a maximum beam of 60 meters and a total length of 244 meters; when loaded, the beam must not exceed 35 meters, with the same total length limit. Captains must report the beginning and end of each passage to the Coastal Station. In addition, all vessels must follow the safety guidelines detailed in the Avisos a los Navegantes issued by the Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation.

Captains are reminded to maintain a minimum under-keel clearance of 20 centimeters, as required by Article 77 of Law No. 928/27, and to exercise caution in critical areas such as Paso de Bermejo, Paso Aguirre, Remanso Castillo, and Pilar, where navigation remains sensitive due to low water levels or submerged obstacles. In particular, at Paso Aguirre (South), a sunken hull approximately 20 × 8 meters in size has been reported between KM 384 and KM 385, at coordinates 25°17.993’S / 57°40.993’O.

Vessels that were dispatched before October 27 will continue operating under the previous Resolution No. 197/25. The enforcement of these new provisions will be carried out by the Fluvial Police and regional prefectures.

Shipowners and operators are urged to ensure that all captains and pilots are promptly informed of these new restrictions.

NorthStandard has more about low water levels on South American rivers: