Project, expected to increase port capacity by 50%, is now under public consultation

The auction for a new container terminal at the Port of Santos is scheduled for November. The total estimated investment could reach up to BRL 6 billion (USD 1 billion), with the winning company or consortium taking over the port facility’s operation for 25 years. The government expects it to increase the handling capacity of the Santos quay by 50%.

The lease of Tecon Santos 10 (formerly known as STS 10) is generating great anticipation among the port community, especially container operators, who await the increased capacity of the Port of Santos. According to the federal government, the project aims to consolidate the Port of Santos as a key logistics hub for all of Latin America, with expectations of being the largest port auction in Brazil.

On February 20, the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) launched Public Hearing 02/2025, aimed at improving the technical and legal documents related to the auction for leasing the Tecon Santos 10 terminal. The contribution period is open until March 24, 2025.

The investments planned for the terminal total BRL 5.6 billion (USD 973.4 million) over 25 years, including interventions in the leased area as well as in common areas of the organized port, such as dredging of the maneuvering area and berths at the New Terminal. These resources are expected to enable a 50% increase in the port’s capacity.

Santos-Guarujá Tunnel Project

Another highly anticipated project is the progress of the Santos-Guarujá tunnel. An agreement between the federal and state governments promises to unlock a project stalled for over 100 years. It resulted in the signing of a cooperation agreement that delegates the bidding process responsibility to the state.

The project will involve a total investment of BRL 6 billion (USD 1 billion), with BRL 3 billion (USD 520 million) from the federal government and an equal amount from the state government. The state will oversee the bidding process, accelerating the timeline by up to six months.

The cooperation agreement, signed on February 14, grants the state authority not only for the bidding process but also for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the project. The bidding notice will be released on February 27 in Santos, with the presence of President Lula and the governor.

The auction for the project is scheduled for August 1 at B3, the São Paulo Stock Exchange. The tunnel is expected to be completed in six years, with two years dedicated to the executive project and expropriations, followed by four years of construction.