River levels may become long-term worry in Argentina

Significance

The drought has increased transport costs and complicated export logistics as well as electricity generation and water provision for millions of people. It coincides with the end of the concession contract to manage the river’s dredging and signalling with Hidrovia, the consortium led by Belgian Jan de Nul.

Impacts

• Low water levels will raise transport costs for Argentina’s crucial agricultural export sector.
• The severe drought will affect the diverse ecosystem along the Parana River and increase the risk of landslides and fires.
• Climate change will make extreme weather events more frequent, an additional challenge to the winner of the next Hidrovia tender.