The Brazilian government has reduced the number of terminals to be auctioned for private leasing, as the Justice and Antaq agencies suspend two significant terminal auctions originally set for this week.
The Brazilian government under President Lula has announced a reduction in the number of terminals available for private leasing in an upcoming port auction scheduled for Thursday (26). Originally, four terminals were to be auctioned, but recently, the National Agency of Waterway Transport (Antaq) informed that the auction for the MCP01 terminal in Amapá has been suspended. This decision came after a ruling by the 4th Federal Civil Court in the Federal District, which approved an injunction filed by the company Rocha Granéis, leading to this unexpected halt.
The MCP01 terminal in Macapá, which is anticipated to significantly enhance the export capacity for grain and wood chips, represents an investment of approximately R$ 150.2 million and is tied to a 25-year lease agreement. The suspension of this auction could have considerable ramifications for local agricultural producers who rely on efficient transport solutions. Antaq has announced its intention to seek a judicial reversal of this ruling, hoping to proceed with the planned auction and maintain the original objectives of enhancing port efficiency.
In addition to the suspension in Macapá, Antaq has halted the auction for a passenger terminal in Recife. This decision comes amid rising challenges that the Brazilian government faces in implementing its infrastructure projects, which are critical for economic growth and competitiveness. The consequences of these suspensions will likely prompt discussions within the government and the private sector about the regulatory environment and its impact on public-private partnerships in the infrastructure domain.
