Innovation is critical and crucial for the continued success of any venture.. The world of maritime shipping is no different..
There have been several innovations like the “container” that have come to reshape global trade..
Innovation is defined as a new idea, method, device, novelty, or the introduction of something new and is born out of a need that can be sometimes desperate..
Like the drastic reduction in water levels in the Amazon River which as per an article shared by on his LinkedIn, experienced its lowest water levels in over 120 years, with the Rio Negro at Manaus dropping to just 12.7 meters.. This meant that regular container ships could not have access to the Port of Manaus..
The below video shows a great innovation in the form of a temporary floating pier in Itacoatiara located 108 nautical miles downriver from Manaus to enable the transshipment of cargo from ocean-going vessels to smaller barges capable of navigating the shallower waters to Manaus..
@josenezio.jr Operação Provisória Itacoatiara. 🤝😎 #operator_excavator #guindaste #operadoresdemaquinas #amigos #familia
As per Luuk, the advantages of this approach are
- Flexibility: The floating pier can be relocated as needed
- Cost-effective: Lower investment compared to building a traditional terminal
- Operational continuity: Maintains cargo flow during extreme environmental conditions
The challenges to consider are
- Limited storage: No on-site space means precise coordination is critical—if barges are delayed, unloading stalls
- Stability concerns: Proper balancing is essential to prevent the pontoon from sinking
- Security risks: Extra handling and remote operations may increase the risk of smuggling
Luuk also raises a question “What do you think, if it’s not officially classified as a port, could this mode of operation bypass certain trade and tariff restrictions?“..
My response is that while this particular activity with containers may not be done at what is termed a port, the floating pier is part of Itacoatiara as it already has floating and anchorage terminals that cater for the handling of soya meal, maize, soya oil, soya beans, fertiliser, and liquid products..
In addition, Brazil is one of the toughest countries with regard to customs and port requirements, and authorities are aware of these operations and therefore cannot escape tariff implementations.. 😀
If you have any experience in this area/port/region, do share your views..
