Brazil Assumes $9.5 Million Debt for Itajaí Port

The federal government has confirmed the payment of a R$48 million (approx. USD 9.5 million) debt owed to Van Oord, the company responsible for dredging the port channel of Itajaí. In addition, it announced the extension of the emergency contract with the Port Authority of Santos (APS) for another year, ensuring continued operations until a new long-term concession is formalized.

The measures were announced by the National Secretary of Ports, Alex Sandro de Ávila, during a meeting with representatives of the Federation of Industries of Santa Catarina (FIESC). According to the Ministry of Ports and Airports, the payment is expected to be made in the coming days, securing the channel’s depth until a new bidding process is completed, with the tender expected to be launched by December this year.

João Paulo Tavares Bastos Gama, superintendent of the Port of Itajaí, explained that the R$48 million debt was inherited from the port’s previous municipal management.

“The federal government has paid off the debt left by the municipality of Itajaí and prior administrations. Settling this debt and extending the dredging contract ensures the continuity of port operations throughout the entire complex,” he said.

Dredging services had been suspended for around six months due to non-payment. The channel draft was restored in February this year following a new dredging campaign. The resumption was made possible by a tariff prepayment agreement with Portonave, with compensations scheduled through 2026.

The chart below shows the top cargoes exported in containers throughout 2024 at the Port of Itajaí, according to DataLiner data – a Datamar foreign trade intelligence service.

Top Cargoes Exported in Containers | Port of Itajaí | 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

New Bidding Process and Concession

According to the secretary, the draft model for the new dredging concession has been completed and is now undergoing final adjustments. The document is expected to be submitted to Brazil’s Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) by the end of May, with the auction scheduled for December 2025.

The concession for access channel maintenance will include draft maintenance, deepening works, and expansion of the turning basin, enabling the operation of vessels up to 400 meters in length. The definitive lease auction for the Port of Itajaí, with a projected 35-year contract, is expected in March 2026. If needed, the temporary contract with JBS Terminais may be extended for up to 24 months until the transition to the new operator.

Source: SC Todo Dia

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