Antaq opens public consultation on Paranagua’s access channel concession

ANTAQ held Public Hearing 07/2023 on Monday (13), aiming to receive contributions, subsidies, and suggestions for improving technical and legal documents related to the concession of waterway access (access channel) to the Port of Paranagua.

The Public Hearing was opened by ANTAQ’s Director-General, Eduardo Nery, who commented on the pioneering nature of the proposal. The guidelines align with the policy established by the Federal Government for the concession of access channels.

“It is a pleasure to participate in this first public hearing focused on the concession of a waterway access channel in a public port. It is a milestone, and from now on, we will begin to collect the perceptions of those interested in participating in the project. Every project is strengthened after holding a public hearing,” he said.

Also present at the hearing was the rapporteur for the proposal, Director Wilson Lima Filho. The director explained that the concession of the access channel follows the understanding that it is necessary to streamline the expansion and widening of the channel, allowing larger ships to dock at the port.

“I am very pleased to report on this pioneering process within ANTAQ. The exponential growth of international trade and cargo ships’ growth poses significant challenges for ports. Thus, maintaining access channels without bureaucratic hindrances is essential for ensuring navigation safety and the proper flow of goods,” he said.

The period for contributions is still open, closing on November 22. All contributions should be made here. The questions will be analyzed, and the results will be published on the ANTAQ website.

About the proposal

The proposal outlines a 25-year contract, beginning with the assumption of the area in 2024 and allowing for possible extensions up to a maximum of 70 years. Estimated capital expenditures (Capex) are R$1.07 billion, operating expenditures (Opex) are R$2.35 billion, and the expected total global revenue is R$8.85 billion.

Among the main improvements outlined in the concession project for the Paranaguá Access Channel are the deepening, expansion, and widening of the channel, the widening of the turning basin, and the deepening of anchorage area No. 6. As a result, the forecast is to reach 13.3 meters during the implementation phase and reach 15.5 meters after the concession, enabling the attraction of larger ships.

The future concessionaire will carry out all necessary investments to achieve the established goal, including dredging services, rock removal, nautical signaling, bathymetry, environmental programs, and monitoring.

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