The privatization and concession process for the Paraguay-Paraná Hidrovía took a major step forward this Thursday with the completion of the technical evaluation of the bids. The Government, through the National Ports and Navigation Agency, informed the two remaining business groups — the Belgian companies Jan de Nul and DEME — of the results of “Envelope No. 2,” setting the stage for the economic phase, which will ultimately decide the next operator of the system.

Following a thorough analysis of the work plans and specific track records, the technical balance tilted in favor of Jan de Nul (current operator through Compañía Sud Americana de Dragados), which received a score of 66.2 points. Its competitor DEME obtained 42.14 points. This rating was based on a system validated by UNCTAD (United Nations), which weighted criteria of excellence in critical areas such as dredging, signaling, environmental management, and cybersecurity.

The Criteria Behind the Scores

The technical evaluation focused on operational capacity to maintain the competitiveness of the waterway through which 80% of the country’s agro-industrial exports depart. The highest-weighted sections were:

• Dredging Works: Planning and proposed equipment to guarantee channel depth.
• Proponent’s Experience: Track record in dredged volumes and buoyage maintenance under similar conditions.
• Environmental Management and Cybersecurity: Protocols for spills and data protection in river traffic control.

The scoring system was rigorous: 100% of points were awarded for categories rated “Excellent,” 75% for “Very Good,” 50% for “Good,” and only 25% for “Basic.”

Envelope No. 3: The Decisive Stage

Following the notification, the companies have a period of seven consecutive days to file any potential challenges. Once this stage is resolved, the National Ports Agency will issue the final administrative act for the second stage and set a date for the opening of Envelope No. 3, which corresponds to the economic bid.

This final stage is the most important in the process, as it accounts for 60% of the total score, with a maximum of 120 points at stake. The most advantageous economic offer for the national administration will ultimately determine who will manage the Main Navigable Waterway in the coming years.

Support from the Private Sector

The progress of the tender was received with optimism by the main private sector organizations, which see the regularization of the concession as a guarantee of investments for the Industrial Belt. Among the chambers that expressed support are the Rosario Stock Exchange (BCR), the Chamber of Port and Maritime Activities (CAPyM), the Chamber of Private Commercial Ports, and CIARA-CEC (oilseed processors and exporters).

For the agro-export hubs of San Lorenzo, Puerto General San Martín, and Timbúes, the outcome of this process is vital to ensure that the logistics for grain and by-product exports maintain competitive costs and efficient operations in line with the projected growth of harvests.