Dredging the Uruguay River Under Review – Todo Logística News | 28/08/25

On Thursday, the Uruguay-Argentina binational body CARU will discuss deepening the navigable channel between the ports of Nueva Palmira and Fray Bentos—an initiative essential for regional logistics competitiveness. Currently, the channel averages 25 feet (7.6 m) deep, with four critical points shallower. Two reports commissioned by Uruguay’s Planning Office (OPP) estimate dredging to 34 feet (10.3 m) would cost roughly US$ 34 million, with a maintenance cost of US$ 12 million annually, though independent experts suggest the total investment may reach US$ 120 million, factoring in complementary infrastructure upgrades like the Fray Bentos dock. The rationale: about 45% of Uruguay’s grain production is located within 120 km of Fray Bentos—over one million tonnes currently moved by 30,000 trucks—which could be redirected to direct ship loading from Fray Bentos. The upcoming session will also address renewing the contract with Jan de Nul, the Belgian company maintaining the channel since 2016—a decision critical to the project's success. Link