The Merchant Marine Directorate, dependent on the Vice Ministry of Transport, plans to open a new river crossing between Puerto Libertad and Puerto Irala, with the aim of alleviating the congested traffic on the Friendship Bridge river crossing. This project will allow the incorporation of vessels already approved by resolution No. 1040/24 of the MOPC.
This initiative has the resolution of the Ministry of Public Works and the necessary certifications from the General Naval Prefecture, while the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry has requested reciprocity from Argentina to facilitate operations.
The crossing between Puerto Irala and Puerto Libertad will not only alleviate traffic, but will also promote the tourist and economic development of the region.
The head of the Merchant Navy, Patricio Ortega, expressed satisfaction at the announcement that for the first time in years a new vessel will be launched, which represents a significant investment in improving the port.
Improvements to the Friendship Bridge river crossing
Improvements to this river crossing include the installation of vehicle access ramps to the Paraná River and fare collection booths on both sides of the river, in both Paraguay and Argentina.
Ortega also reported that preparations are being made, in parallel, to enable a larger capacity vessel between Otaño and El Dorado, in the department of Itapúa.
Both routes are considered strategic to improve the circulation of people and trucks, which will significantly contribute to decompressing the load currently supported by the Friendship Bridge.
In the Otaño and El Dorado regions, rafts that transport light vehicles are already operating. The new vessel will also offer cargo service, especially benefiting corn producers who send their product to Chapecó, Brazil, announced the director of the Merchant Marine, who emphasised that this improvement will reduce the transport distance and facilitate trade in the area.
