Brazil advances long-term concession for Itajaí container terminal

Brazil is moving ahead with plans to award a long-term concession for the ITJ01 container terminal at the Port of Itajaí, as the country’s waterways regulator seeks industry feedback ahead of launching the tender.

The National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ) is consulting with terminal operators, shipping lines, cargo owners and other stakeholders on the proposed lease, which covers the handling and storage of containers and general cargo.

The consultation forms part of the federal government’s plan to return Itajaí’s main container terminal to private operation under a long-term concession after several years of transitional management arrangements.

ANTAQ is inviting comments on the technical, legal and economic framework supporting the project before final tender documents are issued.

The proposed concession is expected to require investment in terminal infrastructure, equipment and operational improvements aimed at strengthening Itajaí’s competitiveness in Brazil’s southern container market.

Located in the state of Santa Catarina, Itajaí competes with nearby Navegantes and other regional terminals for containerised exports, particularly refrigerated cargo and manufactured goods.

The consultation remains open until August 13, with a public hearing to follow before the concession process moves to the next stage.