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For another year, we continue to closely monitor river conditions in the Amazon region, in Brazil, assessing water levels during both flood and drought cycles and sharing our outlook on potential navigation restrictions. Our aim is to maintain transparency and provide clear information to support your operational planning throughout this period.
Based on the “Initial Advisory on the 2026 Dry Season”, issued last Tuesday (July 14, 2026) by the Western Amazon River Authority (Capitania Fluvial da Amazônia Ocidental)1 – attached below
- as well as data recorded by the National Water Agency (ANA) gauging stations and our predictive analyses, there are strong indications that navigation restrictions will once again occur during the dry season, between October 2026 and early 2027.
The graph below shows the river's behavior since the beginning of 2026, indicating a potential severe draft restriction:
Our forecast indicates a possible capacity restriction between weeks 41 and 44 (October), followed by a river closure between weeks 45 and 48 (November). Subsequently, capacity restrictions are expected to resume between weeks 49 and 53 (December).
We would also like to emphasize that, should the drought scenario materialize, our operations may be impacted, resulting in logistical constraints, reduced vessel capacity, and increased costs. In the event of worsening navigability conditions, including a potential river closure and the need to operate through floating piers, such impacts and costs may be further amplified. This situation may affect freight rates during the period and could require the application of an additional surcharge.
We reaffirm our commitment to complying with all applicable regulations and remain committed to transparency and service reliability. Our teams are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any changes.
For any questions or planning support, please contact your Maersk representative.
