The concession of the Port of Itajaí has entered a new phase with the opening of a public consultation by the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq). The initiative will allow companies, port sector entities, investors and citizens to submit contributions on the proposed model for the administration of the port complex.
The consultation is part of the regulatory process that precedes the publication of the concession tender. During this period, interested parties may submit technical, legal and operational suggestions, which will be evaluated by the agency before finalizing the versions of the documents.
The expectation is that the future concession will provide greater predictability for investments in infrastructure, operational modernization and expansion of the port's logistics capacity, considered strategic for Santa Catarina's economy and Brazilian foreign trade.
Specialized in container and general cargo handling, the Port of Itajaí plays a relevant role in the country's export and import chains, serving sectors such as food, industrialized products, timber, paper and consumer goods.
According to infrastructure specialists, the participation of society and market agents during the public consultation contributes to refining the regulatory model, reducing future risks and increasing legal certainty for potential investors.
In recent years, the Port of Itajaí has faced challenges related to its management model and operational continuity, factors that reinforced the need for a long-term solution capable of ensuring administrative stability and new investments.
If the schedule is maintained, the next steps include analysis of contributions received, final approval of studies by the competent authorities and, subsequently, publication of the tender that will initiate the competitive process to select the future concessionaire.
The sector's expectation is that the concession will strengthen the port's competitiveness, increase its operational capacity and expand its integration with logistics corridors in the South of the country.
