By Brazil Stock Guide — Brazil’s National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ) has published the bidding documents for a fertilizer terminal at the Port of Itaqui, in the northeastern state of Maranhão, with estimated investment of R$63.9 million ($11.8 million). The auction is scheduled for December 9 at the B3 stock exchange in São Paulo.
The IQI16 terminal will cover 21,800 square meters and have a static storage capacity of 70,000 tonnes of dry mineral bulk cargo, particularly fertilizers. Its estimated annual handling capacity is 1.008 million tonnes.
The lease will run for 25 years, with an option for extension, and has an estimated total contract value of R$2.15 billion ($398 million), representing projected revenue over the period. The winning bidder, either a company or consortium, will be selected based on the highest concession payment offered.
The bidding rules include restrictions designed to prevent market concentration. Companies or business groups whose share of fertilizer handling at the Itaqui port complex would exceed 40%, including the projected share of the new terminal, may only win if no other valid bid is submitted.
The provision is intended to promote competition at Itaqui, a key logistics hub for supplying agricultural inputs to Brazil’s North and Northeast regions. According to project studies, IQI16 could account for approximately 14% of fertilizer handling at the port complex once operations stabilize.
Bidders must provide a minimum bid guarantee of R$17.6 million ($3.3 million). The winning operator will be required to demonstrate minimum share capital of R$29.4 million ($5.4 million) and pay 25% of its concession bid upfront, with the balance spread over five annual installments.
The site, previously used by Brazil’s National Supply Company (Conab) for rice handling and storage, will require investment in cargo-handling equipment and storage infrastructure. Bids are due on December 4, five days before the auction.
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