Concerns Mount as Mada Araújo Allegedly Delays Operations at Itajaí Port

Business leaders in the port industry have expressed growing apprehension over Mada Araújo, the winning bidder for the lease of Itajaí Port, after delays in commencing operations at the terminal. According to them, the company is dragging its feet and struggling financially to install the necessary equipment for resuming activities. Mada Araújo dismissed these claims as mere “gossip.”

On January 15, the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) granted an additional 30 days for the lessee to present a Preliminary Implementation Plan (BIP in Portuguese), outlining investments and improvements in preparation for operations. Considering customs clearance time, the company estimates initiating operations within 100 days.

For industrial entrepreneurs, the delay poses challenges to shipping operations. One industry insider noted that this presents an “opportune time” to reroute certain shipping lines, alluding to the ongoing infrastructure modifications at the Portonave Terminal. The businessperson explained that the Navegantes terminal would function with only half of its dock capacity, with a focus on prioritizing ships owned by MSC.

However, Mada Araújo Executive Director Marco Antônio de Araújo rebuffed these claims, stating that the entrepreneurs are “misinformed” and engaged in “gossip.” He emphasized that both the Ministry of Ports and the Itajaí Port’s superintendence are well-informed.

Marco mentioned internal painting and leak repairs, as well as the installation of galleries, outlets for refrigerated containers, and cabling as part of the ongoing effort to prepare the port to receive container lines once more. Defenses and bollards for ship protection and berthing will be installed later this week.

The executive mentioned that the implementation plan is nearly complete, and customs documentation is in the final stages. The company guaranteed that the delivery of equipment was still on schedule, with all internal equipment already inspected. “Everything is duly reported and presented to the Ministry and the Superintendence almost daily,” Marco emphasized.

The lease agreement with Mada was signed on December 15. Since the act’s publication on December 20, the company has been authorized to work at the port. The superintendence clarified that the preparation is proceeding within the normal timeframe considering the necessary documentation.

The port confirmed that President Lula da Silva will visit Itajaí after Carnival, in the first quarter, to mark the resumption of operations and sign the renewal order for the municipal port authority for another 25 years. Lula is expected to discuss the definitive lease tender.

National Secretary Visit

Last week, National Ports Secretary Alex de Ávila visited Itajaí to discuss the port’s future. One meeting was with the Port of Itajaí Superintendent Fábio da Veiga and Deputy Mayor Marcelo Sodré (PDT). In another instance, attendees included Mada Araújo’s director, State Ports Secretary Robison Coelho, union leader Ernando Alves Júnior, and legislators.

In the meeting, the winning bidder reaffirmed its dedication and commitment to reinstating liner operations. Marco Antônio asserted, “I want to assure everyone here, the broader community, port workers, and the entire industry that we are carefully planning every aspect with utmost care for Itajaí’s container cargo comeback.”

Portonave’s 400-Meter Ship Dock

The infrastructure adaptation project for the Portonave dock, capable of accommodating ships up to 400 meters in length, commenced on January 5. In an official statement, the company outlined its strategic plan, developed in collaboration with partners, and emphasized proactive measures to mitigate potential disruptions while giving top priority to customer service.

“We are on track with the scheduled work, and the Terminal’s operations are running seamlessly, with no anticipated interruptions,” the statement assured.

With an investment nearing R$1 billion, the project is slated to continue until 2025. The company denied allegations that it would prioritize one shipowner over the others.

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