Santa Fe Pushes for Port Expansion with Proposed Cabotage Law Reform

In a bid to boost exports and strengthen logistics infrastructure, the province of Santa Fe is pushing for changes to Argentina’s cabotage law, a move officials say will unlock greater efficiency and competitiveness for the region’s ports.

The proposed reforms were the focus of a recent working meeting led by Santa Fe’s Minister of Productive Development, Gustavo Puccini, who gathered with representatives from the province’s port authorities and the president of the Free Trade Zone. The discussions centered on the upcoming Paraná-Paraguay Waterway concession process and strategies to modernize the outdated 1944 cabotage law, which restricts domestic shipping.

Ports as a Growth Engine

Puccini emphasized the strategic role of Santa Fe’s ports in driving economic growth and logistical integration, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. “Our ports represent a major opportunity to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. However, the current legislation is an obstacle to river transport and both domestic and international trade,” he said.

The proposed legal changes aim to increase competition, lower logistics costs, and improve port fluidity, according to officials. “We need a modernized, federally inclusive approach to cabotage, and we have already submitted a draft proposal to the national government to achieve this,” Puccini noted.

Proposed Reforms and Strategic Goals

The draft amendment to Decree-Law 19.492/44 would introduce key measures to deregulate domestic shipping and facilitate greater port activity:

• Allowing foreign-flagged vessels to operate between Argentine ports under certain conditions.
• Using cargo flows from Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil to enhance waterway trade without additional investments.
• Introducing renewable temporary permits for foreign ships to encourage competition.
• Supporting low-draft ports, such as those in Santa Fe, by ensuring they remain viable players in Argentina’s logistics chain.

The discussion also covered Santa Fe’s broader port integration strategy, which aims to streamline operations across the province’s ports and optimize transport routes, especially amid the renegotiation of the Paraná-Paraguay Waterway concession.

“We want each port to maximize its potential in infrastructure, services, and cost efficiency. By implementing innovative logistics solutions, Santa Fe can position itself as Argentina’s leading logistics hub,” Puccini stated.

Building Alliances for a Competitive Future

The province is also seeking collaborations beyond the government sector. Puccini recently met with officials from the National University of Litoral (UNL) to explore ways in which academic research and technological innovation can support port modernization.

“Government-university partnerships are key to improving environmental sustainability, logistics efficiency, and economic growth. Research-driven solutions can play a crucial role in optimizing infrastructure and managing the Paraná-Paraguay Waterway,” he concluded.

As Santa Fe pushes for these reforms, the province positions itself at the center of Argentina’s efforts to revitalize its shipping industry and expand its global trade footprint.

Source: Portal Portuario

Sharing is caring!