The publication of the Tecon Santos 10 tender notice, a project aimed at expanding container handling capacity at the Port of Santos, risks being postponed to 2027. Uncertainty over the competitive model for the future terminal has persisted since July and keeps pending a Federal Government decision on participation conditions in the auction.
The impasse involves different positions within government and questions about how to allow new investors to enter without increasing concentration in the port market. According to analysis published by CNN Brasil on October 15, sector stakeholders assess that completing the modeling still in 2026 has become more difficult.
The process depends on completion of the federal working group responsible for evaluating alternatives. After the Ministry of Ports and Airports defines guidelines, the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ) will need to adjust the modeling and submit the project again to the Court of Accounts of the Union (TCU).
Only after these stages will it be possible to move forward with publication of the tender notice.
Competition rules are at the center of the impasse
The main disagreement concerns participation by companies already operating container terminals at the Port of Santos and by shipowners, responsible for maritime cargo transport.
The modeling initially proposed by ANTAQ foresaw restricting participation by these groups in the first phase of the auction. They could compete for the terminal in a later stage if no valid proposals emerged in the initial phase, and would be subject to divestment requirements if they won.
The TCU recommended extending restrictions to shipowners as well. The Civil House, in turn, began advocating for a single-stage competitive model with broader participation possibilities and a requirement for divestment of existing assets in case of victory.
The disagreement requires a decision on the balance between broadening competition, attracting investment, and avoiding excessive concentration in the container market.
Logistics chain follows the decision
The Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade) has also deepened its analysis of competitive risks related to participation by companies linked to Maersk and MSC in the bid.
The discussion has implications for the organization of the port market, since major groups can operate simultaneously in maritime transport and terminal operations. Participation rules may influence the entry of new operators and the distribution of container handling capacity.
For the Port of Santos, the uncertainty prolongs the wait for a significant expansion of infrastructure. The Tecon Santos 10 project provides for investments estimated at approximately R$ 6.45 billion and total dynamic capacity of 3.25 million TEUs, according to data released by ANTAQ.
The agency also reports that the project area is located in Saboó, on the right margin of the port, and that the lease was designed for a term of 25 years.
Timeline remains without final definition
Postponement of the modeling may push publication of the tender notice and subsequent stages of the concession to the next year. Even if there is a decision on the rules still in 2026, holding the auction will depend on regulatory proceedings and completion of necessary procedures.
The challenge is defining a model that offers legal certainty to participants, preserves effective competitive conditions, and allows progress with expansion of port capacity.
As long as there is no final decision on the rules, the Tecon Santos 10 timeline remains subject to changes.
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