APM Terminals chases Itajaí concession extension

Previously, it had sought an extension based on the investment that it had made there. However, following a suggestion from the Attorney General’s Office, it is now seeking to justify this as a means of recovering losses brought about by unexpected problems that it has encountered, mainly floods in 2008 and 2011.

APM Terminals acquired concessionaire Teconvi when it had 19 years to run on its concession, with the possibility to renew this for a further three years to the end of 2022. However, the company believes it will be impossible to sufficiently recoup its subsequent investment in the seven years remaining to it.

If APM Terminals is successful in obtaining its requested extention, it has promised to undertake further investment of R$160m.

Ricardo Arten Gorzelak, the company’s Brazilian managing director, told Port Strategy that it is definitely willing to invest more in Itajai as long as this is the best way to remain competitive and efficient.

“Our gross moves per hour figure is already one of the highest in the country and we have all the expertise to keep lifting this index,” he said, adding that there are plans to deploy more equipment and expand the terminal in line with growth.