North Yard Lease Could Generate R$ 81 Million for the Port of Natal Over 15 Years

The potential privatization of the North Yard at the Port of Natal could generate at least R$81 million for Companhia Docas do Rio Grande do Norte (Codern) over a 15-year concession period. The National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq) presented these figures during a public hearing on Tuesday (25). The event marks a preliminary step toward an auction, with one company already expressing interest.

According to Antaq, the projected revenue is based on a fixed monthly fee of R$452,137, with the possibility of additional variable income depending on exported tonnage. At peak export levels, the port authority could receive up to R$19 million per year. The terminal’s storage capacity for iron ore—one of the commodities under evaluation for lease—is estimated at 1.8 million tons annually.

The figures are part of a Technical, Economic, and Environmental Feasibility Study (EVTEA) conducted by an Indian company interested in leasing the North Yard. The Ministry of Ports and Airports authorized the company to conduct the study.

The public hearing took place at Antaq’s headquarters in Brasília. The leasing process was initiated after an Indian company expressed interest in utilizing the North Yard, which offers a 21,000 m² area. The company’s objective is to export iron ore to Europe.

The available leasing space includes part of the former Maruim area. If leased, the deal would generate fixed and variable revenues and a concession fee for the Port of Natal. The site is designated for handling and storing bulk mineral cargo. The lease term is 15 years, with the possibility of an extension, and requires an estimated investment of R$ 29.23 million in infrastructure and equipment, including a mobile ship loader, truck scale, wheel washer, loaders, and workforce hiring. Approximately R$ 7.2 million is also expected to be allocated to environmental costs and program management.

During the hearing, Antaq also noted that the leasing company would need to invest around R$ 29 million in upgrades to prepare the terminal for export operations.

Despite the Indian company’s expressed interest and feasibility studies, it is not guaranteed to win the lease auction. The auction is expected to occur at the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3) by the last quarter of this year. If finalized, the leaseholder would assume control of the North Yard in 2026, dedicating the first year to necessary adaptations and port improvements.

Public Contributions

Legal drafts and technical documents related to the NAT01 terminal’s public consultation are available on Antaq’s website. Written contributions will be accepted until 11:59 PM on April 2, 2025, exclusively through the digital form on Antaq’s website. Contributions submitted through other means will not be considered.

Supportive digital images such as maps, plans, and photos may be sent to anexo_audiencia012025@antaq.gov.br, provided they include the contributor’s identification and meet the specified deadline. However, email submissions do not replace the requirement to submit written contributions via the online form.

Source: Tribuna do Norte

Sharing is caring!