Concession of the Port of Itajaí Moves Forward; Auction Expected in 2026

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), has completed another decisive step for the future of the Port of Itajaí, in Santa Catarina.

The ministry approved the final version of the Technical, Economic, and Environmental Feasibility Studies (EVTEA) that underpin the definitive leasing of the port complex.

The documents were forwarded on Friday (26) to the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq), which is responsible for drafting the tender and contract documents. The government expects the auction to take place in the first half of 2026.

In the order sent to the regulatory agency, the National Secretariat of Ports requested a waiver of a new public hearing phase.

The technical justification is that the current model has already incorporated contributions from society and the market received during the previous hearing, eliminating the need to restart the consultation cycle.

The Ministry of Ports and Airports aims to obtain approval from the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) by April 2026.

According to Minister Silvio Costa Filho, the concession represents the Federal Government’s effort to rebuild the port after a period of instability.

“Our focus has always been to ensure that the Port of Itajaí has a secure horizon for growth. We have worked tirelessly to overcome recent challenges and promote this recovery. Now, with the definitive concession, we will provide the predictability that the productive sector expects. We are moving from a transition phase to a long-term investment cycle, ensuring that the port has the necessary infrastructure to serve the national and international supply chains efficiently,” the minister said.

The National Secretary of Ports, Alex Ávila, emphasized that the decision seeks to optimize the timeline without compromising the technical rigor of the process.

“This approval is a necessary response that MPor gives to society and the market. We understand the strategic importance of the Port of Itajaí; therefore, we are sparing no effort to streamline bureaucratic paths, always responsibly, to ensure that the auction takes place within the timeframe we committed to,” he said.

Definitive Solution

The project foresees BRL 2.8 billion in investments over the contract term, with a strategic fast-track clause requiring BRL 920 million to be invested within the first three years.

This initial investment will be directed primarily toward modernizing equipment and improving infrastructure for vessel reception and maneuvering.

The physical transformation of the complex will be significant. The model provides for the construction of a new container terminal with a static capacity of 37,152 TEUs, as well as a 90% expansion of yard areas, addressing one of the port’s main operational bottlenecks.

In addition to logistical gains, the concession is expected to generate a significant socioeconomic impact in the region, including the creation of direct and indirect jobs and increased local income.

Source: Agrofy

Sharing is caring!