By Brazil Stock Guide – Brazil’s Ports and Airports Minister Tomé Franca said the federal government wants to hold the auction for Tecon Santos 10 still in 2026, calling the project one of the country’s most important infrastructure ventures. Speaking at the Fórum Esfera, in Guarujá, Franca said the goal is to publish the tender between July and August so the auction can take place by the end of the year.
The project is currently under review by the transport regulator, after receiving contributions from the Casa Civil through the federal Investment Partnerships Program, known as PPI. If the current model is maintained, the tender could move forward in the coming months. If relevant changes are required, the process may return to Brazil’s Federal Court of Accounts for a new review.
Logistics urgency
“Brazil is in a hurry, infrastructure is in a hurry,” Franca said, defending the need to publish the tender and hold the auction still in 2026. According to the minister, Tecon Santos 10 could expand the operational capacity of the Port of Santos by 50% and help move the port from 48th to 15th place globally in container handling.
The model under discussion includes whether operators already active at the Port of Santos should be allowed to participate in the auction. Franca said there is no unreasonable position among the agencies involved, but rather different technical views on a large and complex project, with significant investment needs and direct implications for Brazil’s logistics network.
Tunnel and airport
Franca also pointed to progress on the Santos-Guarujá tunnel, a project with estimated investments of about R$6 billion. According to the minister, the federal government has already structured its contribution through the Santos Port Authority, while the São Paulo state government has arranged financing through Banco do Brasil. The expectation is to install the construction site soon and begin works in the first quarter of 2027.
On Guarujá airport, Franca said the airside infrastructure works — including runway, taxiway and operational facilities — have already been delivered. The municipality is now conducting a study on operational safety around the airport, a step expected to take about six months before being submitted to Brazil’s civil aviation regulator, Anac, for approval. Investments in the passenger terminal are also moving ahead.
The minister also defended the role of private capital as a complement to public ports. In Franca’s view, private investment can help expand infrastructure where public budgets are limited, provided projects are structured in a way that can attract the market.
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