Tecon Santos 10: megaterminal faces restrictions in the auction confirmed by the Federal Government

Government expects to auction the area in March next year, but major shipping lines barred from participating are already eyeing legal action (Alexsander Ferraz/AT)

The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) will comply with the recommendation of the Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU), which on Monday set restrictions on the participation of companies in the auction of the Santos 10 Container Terminal (Tecon) in the Saboó quay. The information was confirmed by the National Secretary of Ports, Alex Ávila, in an interview with A Tribuna .

The model defined by the TCU is more restrictive than the one proposed by the Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquaviários (Antaq). The Court of Accounts proposes a two-phase auction, prohibiting the participation of all shipping lines (corporate groups that own vessel fleets) in the first phase. The second phase will only take place if there are no bidders in the initial one.

Antaq had established restrictions only for companies that already operate container terminals in the Port of Santos (incumbents). This is the case for major carriers Maersk and MSC, partners in the BTP terminal, and CMA CGM, which controls Santos Brasil. The TCU's decision also bars, for example, the Chinese state-owned Cosco, which has interest in the tender.

“We have already stated our position on this matter, supporting the model proposed by Antaq. The Court introduces an additional element. We need to read the ruling to see how to implement it. But we will comply with what the Court of Accounts determines”, says Alex Ávila.

Next steps The National Secretary of Ports explained that the MPor is awaiting the complete documentation from the TCU in order to examine the matter and formalize adjustments to the process. According to him, the most important point is that the process continues to advance so that the auction takes place in March of next year.

“We have taken an extremely important step; the Court of Accounts has concluded the judgment of its analysis. Now, we will receive this at the Ministry and give it the proper treatment”, says Ávila. He emphasized that the guidance is “total focus and absolute priority in conducting this matter.”

Alex Ávila, National Secretary of Ports (Alexsander Ferraz/AT)

We will comply “We have already stated our position on this matter, supporting the model proposed by Antaq. The Court introduces an additional element. We need to read the ruling to see how to implement it. But we will comply with what the Court of Accounts determines”, Alex Ávila, National Secretary of Ports.

Auction in March The auction for Tecon Santos 10 is expected to take place in the first half of March 2026, using the criterion of highest concession fee (the payment the winning bidder must make to the government), according to the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor). The Ministry reported that it intends to publish the bidding notice in January, right after holding a roadshow (project presentation) in embassies and companies interested in the tender.

The MPor will adopt the recommendation of the Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU) and set a minimum concession fee to ensure a reasonable amount for the public treasury and commensurate with the scale of the project.

Tecon Santos 10 will require investments of R\$ 6.45 billion and is expected to increase the Port of Santos’ container-handling capacity by 50%. The project is estimated to generate 2,500 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs.

“We expect broad participation in the auction, as many national and international companies are interested in the tender. Without a doubt, it will be the largest and highly competitive auction in history”, says Alex Ávila, National Secretary of Ports.

Tecon Santos 10 will occupy an area of 621,900 square meters (m²) on the Saboó quay, in the Port of Santos. It is expected to handle 3.25 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) and 91,000 tons of general cargo. The contract duration is 25 years.

According to the project, four ship berths will be built for loading and unloading operations. The future lessee will fund the aquatic infrastructure of the future Giusfredo Santini Passenger Terminal, operated by Concais, which will be relocated to Valongo.