BRAZIL’S PORTS MINISTRY BACKS RESTRICTIONS ON SANTOS CONTAINER TERMINAL AUCTION

The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) has backed the National Waterway Transport Agency’s (Antaq) decision to restrict companies that already operate container terminals in Santos from bidding for the Santos 10 Container Terminal concession. The ministry argued in a statement to the Federal Audit Court (TCU) that this measure is crucial to prevent market concentration, ensure long-term competition, lower tariffs, and improve service quality. The position aligns with Antaq and CADE, which warned that allowing existing operators could harm competition, but contrasts with TCU’s technical staff, who recommended no restrictions. MPor stressed that public ports should prioritize efficient services over maximizing immediate revenues and that behavioral rules alone are insufficient to guarantee neutrality. The ministry also suggested a two-phase auction model if no qualified bidders emerge initially and reaffirmed its commitment to holding the auction in 2025 with an independent operator to strengthen Brazil’s logistics competitiveness.
Source: A Tribuna / Datamar News