MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY IN MIXED RIVER TRANSPORT IN THE STATE OF AMAZONAS

Abstract

This study analyzes maintenance management in the mixed passenger and cargo river transport fleet at the Port of Manaus, aiming to map the key factors determining operational reliability in the Amazon region. Data collection was based on self-reported questionnaires, combining descriptive statistics, Pareto Chart, FMEA, and Fisher’s Exact Test. The FMEA revealed higher criticality in the propulsion system (RPN = 504) and lower in the main engine (RPN = 54). The Pareto Chart showed that workforce qualification (42.1%) and management systems (21.1%) account for 63.2% of operational bottlenecks. Inferentially (p=0.0833), a trend of association was observed between formal onboard records and downtime of less than three hours (MTTR ≤ 3 h). Precautionary stocking results in monthly maintenance expenses exceeding BRL 5,000.00 in 62.5% of the fleet. Environmentally, 93.7% dispose of lubricants properly, though onboard sanitation deficiencies persist. It is concluded that operational continuity relies on the contingency capability of the crews, while cost dispersion highlights the lack of systems integrated with Life-Cycle Costing.