Global shipping groups challenge Brazil's bidding rules for new container terminal at Latin America's largest port

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-25 12:50:00

Global shipping groups are challenging Brazil’s competition rules to bid on a new container terminal at Latin America’s largest port. Maersk filed a lawsuit against Brazil’s marine transport authority, seeking fairness in the bidding process. The rules are under review by Brazil’s federal audit court.

MSC Group is also hoping for rule changes to participate in the bidding process. The auction rules could exclude existing terminal operators like Maersk and MSC from the first round. Asian rivals or local players like JBS Terminais could benefit from the restrictions.

Antaq, promoting competition, faces criticism for excluding experienced companies from the bidding process. If no valid proposals are received in the first phase, existing terminal operators at Santos can bid in later rounds. Maersk calls for transparency to ensure fair competition in the auction.

Concerns arise from heavy users of the Santos port infrastructure about the restrictive bidding rules for the new terminal. The Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council advocates for broad and unrestricted participation in the bidding process. Fairness and transparency are key issues in the dispute over the bidding rules.

Read more: Maersk sues over $1 billion Brazil port auction, MSC Group’s TIL may follow