With rivers as the main routes for transporting people and goods, many cities in the Amazon rely on Small Public Port Facilities, known as IP4s, as the primary means of travel between communities and municipalities and a way to access essential services. Mandated by Law No. 12,815/2013, these structures contribute to local supply and the outflow of regional production.
Currently, there are over 80 IP4s in the Amazon, distributed across the states of Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia, and Roraima. Adapted to the navigation characteristics of each region, these structures feature infrastructure such as floating docks, access walkways, and berthing areas, in addition to complying with safety, accessibility, and environmental protection standards.
IP4s are used daily by residents traveling to schools, health units, markets, and other essential services. The structures also receive vessels transporting students, teachers, health professionals, patients, medicines, and other supplies between communities and municipal headquarters.
They are also used for the embarkation and disembarkation of cargo transported by rural producers, fishermen, traders, and other waterway users. Products handled include fish, flour, açaí, handicrafts, and other regional products intended for local consumption or shipment to other locations.
By facilitating the circulation of people and goods, these port facilities help bring communities closer, support local economic activities, and expand the population's access to essential services.
