The Paraguay River’s rising sediment levels and decreasing water have led to significant losses for shipping companies, with damages totaling US$40 million.
This issue stems mainly from sediment carried by the Bermejo River, which joins the Paraguay River near Pilar city in the Ñeembucú department.
At one point, 600 ships were unable to cross the affected area, severely disrupting river traffic and trade.
Attempts to address the problem through dredging have stalled, drawing concern from both maritime authorities and the commerce chamber.
The pause in public dredging has sparked proposals for privately funded efforts to maintain navigability.