Environmental impacts and comparative advantages of Water transportation compared to other transportation modes in southern Brazil

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the environmental impacts, the costs, the advantages and disadvantages of using the waterway transport mode relative to other modes of transport available in the south of Rio Grande do Sul region, especially in Pelotas, Rio Grande and Charquedas. The research has a qualitative approach and use the method of case study. The data collection technique was conducting interviews with various managers of Alpha Company, as well as conducting on site observation and document analysis. After analyzing the results obtained from the interviews, we drew a parallel with the theoretical background and we came to the conclusion that the waterway logistics is a viable option in reducing transport costs, because it provides reduced operating costs in order 40 % compared with road transportation. Still, the carbon dioxide emission reduction in the atmosphere is significant, because each barge carries the equivalent to loads of 140 trucks. However, it points out the need for public policies that encourage the use of the waterway mode by companies, especially in the area analyzed.