The verticalization of container terminals may hamper port activities in Brazil

According to the Brazilian Association of Port Terminals (ABTP), large Brazilian container terminals are undergoing a “verticalization” process. As a response, ABTP is legally preparing to retaliate against the alleged anti-competitive measures. Shipowners such as MSC and Maersk, in charge of port terminals, have pushed the practice forward. According to an ABTP assessment, six of the 19 large container terminals in Brazil are already under shipowner control. The information comes from the O Globo newspaper.

Assisted by entities like Companhia Portuária Baía de Sepetiba (CPBS), CSN MINERAÇÃO, Sepetiba Tecon S.A, ICTSI Rio, and Santos Brasil, ABTP is filing a complaint to the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade) and the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU – Brazil), with condemnations of shipowners privileging their terminals.

Despite not being opposed to “verticalization,” the Brazilian Association of Port Terminals claims that the approach might lead to abusive situations, increasing the “Brazil Cost” and damaging rival companies’ businesses.

The first target of ABTP’s activities will be the auction of the new container terminal in the Port of Santos (SP) – the STS10 – the largest bid of its kind ever held in Brazil. Companies with capital belonging to MSC or Maersk, both of which can submit proposals independently, are barred from participating in the event, according to the Federal Government’s plan.

The public consultation on the auction ended this Thursday (2), but the Association will act so that more restrictions are imposed to curb the practice of “verticalization.” ABTP intends to gather as much evidence of anti-competitive actions in national terminals.

Source: Diário do Rio

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https://diariodorio.com/verticalizacao-de-terminais-de-conteineres-podem-prejudicar-o-estado-do-rio/

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