Posted on September 3, 2025
Brazil is advancing with another port access channel concession contract as the country prepares to hold its first auction of this type of asset.
The federal government, through the ministry of ports and airports, has submitted the concession process for the access channel to the port of Itajaí in Santa Catarina state to the federal audit court, TCU.
The auction is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 and is expected to generate investments of 311 million reais (US$60 million), a spokesperson for the ministry told BNamericas.
The contract aims to increase the depth of the port to accommodate larger vessels, including infrastructure works to handle ships of up to 400m in length, currently the largest in operation worldwide.
In parallel, the federal government has scheduled the concession auction for the access channel to the Paranaguá-Antonina port complex in Paraná state for October 22.
The planned works of the Paranaguá-Antonina’s concession contract include widening the access channel to the complex, which receives around 2,600 ships annually and mainly handles dry bulk such as soy and animal protein.
The concession has been structured to increase efficiency and the number of berthings. The channel depth will increase from 13.5 meters to 15.5 meters, allowing larger ships to dock. Each additional centimeter of draft enables the transport of 60t more cargo per vessel.
The 25-year contract, which may be extended for up to 70 years, includes dredging, demolition, signaling, bathymetry and environmental monitoring services.
Companies such as China Merchants, Van Oord, Jan de Nul and DTA Engenharia are evaluating the Paranaguá project, according to a source close to the matter who spoke to BNamericas on condition of anonymity.
(The original version of this content was written in English)
