Posted on May 29, 2026
The Bahía Blanca Port Management Consortium launched a tender for maintenance dredging works and deepening of the access channel that could exceed US$600 million (mn) over 15 years, boosting the operating capacity of the main port hub in the south of Buenos Aires province.
The first project includes maintenance dredging of the access channel to the Bahía Blanca port system and the access channel to the Puerto Belgrano naval base, as well as the berths and maneuvering areas of the Ingeniero White, Galván, and Rosales ports.
The project, divided into three items, has an estimated budget of US$36mn per year and a contractual term of 15 years (180 months).
The tender also includes a second deepening dredging project in a section of the main access channel to the Bahía Blanca port system, with an estimated budget of US$97mn. The work must be carried out within 12 months following the signing of the commencement certificate.
The presentation and opening of bids is scheduled for July 27 at 11h.
In the presentation of the five-year plan held last week, the Port of Bahía Blanca estimated that deepening the main channel will make it possible to increase the draft from 13,71m to 15,70m, facilitating the operation of larger vessels.
The five-year plan includes investments of US$44mn, of which 34.500mn pesos will be allocated to the inflammables station and US$10.3mn to the acquisition of marine loading arms.
In addition, it provides for interventions in road infrastructure, including improvements to national routes 3 and 252 to optimize access, as well as works at operational sites, service networks, and strategic crossings for port logistics.
The port of Bahía Blanca is a key hub for agriculture, energy, and industry.
Last year it handled 16.9 million tonnes of cargo, according to data from the Buenos Aires port monitor, which represented year-on-year growth of 17%.
The port mainly handles corn, wheat, and soy cargoes. In the fourth quarter it also moved 1.5 million tonnes of liquid fuels, 1.1 million tonnes of gases, and 238.151t of crude oil, among other cargoes. The figures do not include products moved in containers.
