The Government has advanced with the technical analysis of the first envelope and determined that two international companies will continue in the process, while the next stage—focused on the work plans—gets underway.
It was decided that two of the companies met the established conditions and have therefore been cleared to move forward to the subsequent stages of the process.
The bidding process for the Hidrovía (Paraná-Paraguay Waterway) has taken a new step with the publication of the Evaluation Report for Envelope 1, corresponding to the first stage of the scheme designed for the concession of the main navigation system. This stage focused on validating the technical, operational, and financial capacity of the bidders—a key point to ensure the execution of the planned works.
During this initial phase, the submissions of three international firms with experience in dredging and river infrastructure works were analyzed. The Evaluation Committee reviewed their backgrounds, solvency, and compliance with formal requirements, including the submission of the required guarantees outlined in the tender documents.
As a result, it was determined that two of the companies met the established conditions and were therefore qualified to advance to the next stages of the process. The third company, however, was disqualified for failing to submit the bid maintenance guarantee, a requirement that ensures the validity and stability of the proposal throughout the entire bidding process.
This progress marks a significant milestone in a process aimed at redefining the operational framework of the country’s main export outlet route. The Hidrovía handles a substantial portion of Argentina’s foreign trade, especially agro-industrial products. Therefore, every decision directly impacts logistical competitiveness and the costs associated with operations.
The head of the National Ports and Navigation Agency chaired a meeting with provincial representatives and key players from commerce and production—including entities linked to agriculture, industry, and port activities—to provide an update on the current status of the process.
Next Stages and Focus on the Work Plan
Following the publication of the report, a period of seven consecutive days was opened for bidders to submit any possible challenges or objections. Once this period ends, the National Ports and Navigation Agency will issue the resolution that formalizes the evaluation and authorizes the opening of Envelope 2.
In this second stage, the work plan of each bidder will be evaluated, including details on methodology, equipment, and human resources planned for carrying out the works. This aspect is central from a logistical perspective, as it defines the real operational capacity to maintain the navigability and efficiency of the system—including intervention times, maintenance, and response to contingencies.
Subsequently, Stage 3 will be dedicated to the opening of the economic bids, which will carry the greatest weight in the final award. The official objective is to ensure the most competitive tariff possible for system users, especially in a context where logistical costs directly affect export competitiveness and the international positioning of Argentine production.
Institutional Follow-up and Sector Expectations
The head of the agency, Iñaki Arreseygor, chaired a meeting with provincial representatives and key stakeholders from commerce and production—including entities linked to agriculture, industry, and port activities—to report on the progress of the process.
During the meeting, the official highlighted that the first stage was carried out with a rigorous technical approach and emphasized that the continuation of two of the world’s leading companies in the sector strengthens international competition in the bidding process.
The tender includes a three-stage scheme and an estimated investment of more than US$10 billion. Once all evaluations are completed, the process will move forward to the award and signing of the new contract. This will be a determining factor for logistical efficiency and the performance of Argentine foreign trade in the coming years.
Additionally, it is expected that the new contractual framework will incorporate stricter standards regarding control, transparency, and operational predictability— aspects that the sector has been pointing out as essential for improving medium- and long-term planning.