The National Center for Transatlantic Shipping has once again expressed concern about the deficit in Brazilian port infrastructure capacity, particularly in the Santos Port region, arguing that potential limitations on the Tecon Santos 10 terminal auction could impact foreign trade.
In an open letter released this Friday (6), the entity criticized recommendations from the Court of Accounts of the Union directed at the Ministry of Ports and Airports and the National Agency for Waterway Transport.
According to the document, the prohibition on participation by deep-sea shipowners and affiliated companies, port operators, and investment funds could reduce competition and limit the attraction of private capital to the sector.
Centronave states that the international shipping sector has strong economic participation in Brazilian trade and that the proposed modeling finds no consistent economic or legal justification, in addition to having no relevant precedents in international markets.
The entity also cites technical statements from bodies such as the Administrative Council for Economic Defense, which would have ruled out competitive risks previously pointed out.
For shipowners, the country needs to expand investments in port infrastructure, with construction of new berthing facilities, expansion of quays, and increased operational capacity to reduce logistical bottlenecks.
The sector also emphasizes that the market has been awaiting the holding of this tender for years, noting that Brazil has not put new major container terminals into operation recently, which reinforces the need for investment attraction policies.
Contacted, the port authority at Santos Port Authority did not comment on the entity's position. The Ministry of Ports and Airports was also contacted but had not responded by the time this report was closed.
```
