The Brazilian Agency of Waterway Transportation ("ANTAQ") started carrying out the public announcement procedures for authorization of new private port terminals ("TUPs") right after the enactment of the new regulatory framework of the port sector (Federal Law 12,815/2013, regulated by Federal Decree No. 8.033/2013).

Since then, ANTAQ has published 50 public announcements aiming at authorizing the construction and operation of new terminals by private operators.

Such proceedings are usually installed upon the request of a private party interested in operating a terminal in a specific location, and follow the steps set forth in the newly enacted Resolution ANTAQ no 3,290, of February 17, 2014.

ANTAQ expects that the new regulatory framework of the port sector will modernize, enhance competitiveness and increase the supply of port infrastructure by the private sector, as well as stimulate competition within and between ports.

On January 30, 2014, the first public announcements of 2014 were published. One of the terminals is located in Belém, State of Pará (no 001/2014), while the other is located in Manaus, State of Amazonas (no 002/2014). Both announcements represent opportunities for private companies interested in obtaining authorization to build and operate TUPs in such regions.

Investments of approximately US$ 27 billion are expected to be made in the Brazilian port sector in the next years. The Government expects that, of this total amount, US$ 15,5 billion are invested during the 2014-2015 period and additional US$ 11,6 billion during the 2016-2017 period.

Please click here for further information on the TUP public announcements of 2014.

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