Brazil delays Santos megaterminal auction to early 2027

The Federação das Indústrias do Estado de São Paulo (Fiesp) urged an open auction for the Tecon Santos 10 megaterminal at the Port of Santos, asking that bidding rules be set by 2026 and that auction proceeds be reinvested in port and access infrastructure. The federation also suggested that companies with significant existing stakes in the port should be allowed to assume the concession only after a pre‑approved divestment plan, to preserve competition.

Port and Airports Minister Tomé França confirmed the auction is now expected in the first months of 2027, provided the government issues the tender notice within the next 60‑90 days. The concession is projected to last 25 years, renewable up to 70, with an estimated investment of R$ 6.45 billion and the potential to raise container handling capacity by up to 50%. Ongoing debates focus on whether current port operators may participate in the bid. França also noted parallel discussions about adding six more terminals to the Viracopos airport concession in Campinas.