Overview
- The ports and navigation agency confirmed that Jan De Nul and DEME passed the first-stage screening, while DTA Engenharia was disqualified for failing to submit the required maintenance-of-offer guarantee.
- Bidders now have seven days to file challenges to the ruling, after which the agency plans to finalize Stage 1 and open the second envelope to judge each firm's work plan, equipment, and staffing.
- The final stage will weigh economic offers most heavily, with the government saying it wants the lowest possible shipping tolls for producers that use the waterway.
- Industry and export groups, including the Rosario Grain Exchange, CIARA-CEC, the Private Ports Chamber, and the UIA, praised the process as transparent and urged swift movement to the next steps.
- The Paraná–Paraguay waterway handles roughly 70% of Argentina’s exports, and officials estimate more than $10 billion in investment and about $15 billion in concession revenue over 25 years.