The dispute for Tecon Santos 10, considered the future mega-container terminal at Santos Port, has gained a new chapter after the Civil House concluded a technical note with guidance for significant changes to the auction model.
Among the main points is the elimination of restrictions on shipowner participation, allowing major international shipping companies to compete directly for the asset. The measure also paves the way for groups already present in Santos, such as MSC and Maersk, to participate in the tender, provided they divest port assets if they win the bidding.
The new guidelines have been forwarded to the Ministry of Ports and Airports, which must pass on the recommendations to ANTAQ, responsible for conducting the bidding process.
Another highlight is the significant increase in minimum concession payment. The value initially set at R$ 500 million will rise to R$ 1.044 billion, practically doubling the minimum revenue expected by the federal government from the auction.
Tecon Santos 10 is treated as one of the most strategic projects in Brazilian port infrastructure, mainly given the growth in container movement at the Santos complex. The market expectation is that the new terminal will increase the port's operational capacity and strengthen Brazil's logistics competitiveness in foreign trade.
The relaxation of rules should also intensify competition among major global operators, broadening international interest in the asset and raising expectations around the future bidding notice.
