The Santos Port Authority (SPA), the company responsible for managing Brazil’s largest port, has been granted permission by the Brazilian National Transportation Waterway Agency (Antaq) to enact a tariff readjustment of 13.2%. The adjustment will come into force between February and April 2022, depending on the tariff. The readjustment in prices charged to shipowners and port terminal operators was authorized by Antaq this month. Waterway access tariffs, which represent almost 70% of the port authority’s revenues as of right now, will increase 15% starting from February 1st. Other prices will change on April 1st. Fees for the use of terrestrial infrastructure, which is equivalent to around 20% of total revenues, will rise by 27%. Two other tables refer to berthing rates (1% readjustment) and general services (a 16% reduction). The resolution changed the way tariffs are collected. Previously, tariffs were determined based on the actual tonnage carried by ships. Now, the amount charged will be determined based on the vessel’s total capacity – regardless of whether empty or full. The new reasoning is that the port infrastructure is equally used in both circumstances.
Sources: Valor Econômico/Datamar News