Chinese companies interested in Santos-Guarujá tunnel auction

The auction for the Santos-Guarujá immersed tunnel is expected to take place in August (Reproduction)

Chinese infrastructure companies are interested in participating in the auction for the Santos-Guarujá immersed tunnel, scheduled for August this year, said Silvio Costa Filho, minister of Ports and Airports, on Tuesday (13). He is part of president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s (PT) official delegation visiting China.

Following a series of meetings with Chinese companies, the minister received indications that companies in the country are studying the formation of consortia to participate in the auction for the construction of the tunnel, which involves investments of R\$ 6 billion.

"Major companies in the construction sector here in China want to take part in the auction. Over the next 30 days, a group of companies will travel to Brazil to actively participate in the formation of consortia", the minister stated.

"This is a positive sign, a clear signal", added Costa Filho, noting that in addition to the Chinese market, the Brazilian government has already held a roadshow in Europe and will organize another round next month in São Paulo to present the project to both brazilian and foreign investors.

The Santos-Guarujá tunnel will be the first immersed tunnel in Latin America, with a total length of 1.5 km, including 870 meters beneath the sea and a depth of 21 meters.

Costa Filho also mentioned that during the trip, a set of initiatives was signed with the port sector. "We expect R\$ 5 billion in investments in brazilian public ports", he said.

He also highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Civil Aviation University of China (CAFUC) for cooperation in research and development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

"We aim to align on technology to improve governance at brazilian airports. These were important milestones that will help enhance logistical integration between our ports and airports."