Paraguayan Naval Prefecture Updates Permitted Draft on Paraguay River for Navigation Safety
The General Naval Prefecture has issued Resolution No. 65/25 to update the permitted draft limits for vessels navigating the Paraguay River. This measure aims to ensure navigation safety and prevent environmental pollution due to recent hydrometric levels.
Key points of the resolution include:
- Revised Maximum Drafts: Specific maximum draft limits are established for different sections of the Paraguay River, ranging from 10 to 12 feet for motor ships and tugs with barge trains. These limits vary based on the river section (from Bahía Negra to the confluence).
- Bridge Passage Regulations: Restrictions are imposed on the size of barge convoys (beam and length) when passing under the “Nanawa” and “Remanso Castillo” bridges, with different rules for upstream navigation with and without cargo.
- Section Navigation in Critical Passes: Vessels navigating critical passes identified in “Notices to Navigators” must coordinate their passage to ensure safety and prevent collisions, adhering to waterway regulations.
- Safety Measures for Maritime Companies: Maritime companies are required to implement safety measures, especially at bridge passages without moorings for large tugs assisting convoys.
- Captain Responsibilities: Captains must adhere to safety measures in identified critical steps along the river’s north and south zones.
- Draft Reduction for Larger Vessels: Vessels exceeding 105 meters in length and 18 meters in beam in the section between Remanso Castillo and the confluence will have their maximum permitted draft reduced by one foot during low water conditions.
- Bermejo Pass Navigation: Navigation in the Bermejo Pass is subject to periodic bathymetric surveys, with any changes to the permitted draft communicated via radio notice.
- Submerged Obstruction: Captains are alerted to a submerged hull in the Aguirre Pass (South) at specific coordinates.
- Compliance with Existing Laws: Captains must strictly comply with existing maritime laws and regulations.
- Transitional Provision: Vessels that departed before this resolution will follow the previous Resolution 62/25 until they reach their destination.
- Enforcement: The Deputy General Naval Prefect and other relevant authorities will ensure strict compliance with this resolution.
This resolution is effective immediately and underscores the General Naval Prefecture’s commitment to safe navigation and environmental protection on the Paraguay River.
http://simonsen.com.ar/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Resolución-N°-65-2025-de-la-PGN.pdf
http://simonsen.com.ar/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Resolución-6525..pdf
