Uruguay's ANP advances 2027 port initiatives; passenger terminal to take longer

Pablo Genta, president of Uruguay's National Ports Administration (ANP), outlined several "initiatives" set to be realized by 2027 during a recent event on transport infrastructure. These projects largely stem from proposals put forth by the private sector when the current ANP management took office last year. Out of approximately 30 initiatives, 12 have been prioritized for analysis, with some expected to be completed as early as next year.

A significant project is the installation of a floating dry dock, aimed at replacing the one lost in 2024 from the company Tsakos, which had operated in the Port of Montevideo since 1901. The ANP has initiated a call for interested parties to manage a land area and water space for the installation and operation of this dry dock, crucial for naval repairs, particularly for the fishing fleet.

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the port of Montevideo is going to have a greater volume of vehicle movements in the coming years

Additionally, a specialized vehicle terminal is planned for the port, addressing the anticipated increase in vehicle movements. A private initiative for a RORO terminal has been approved, and the tender documents are nearing completion, paving the way for a bidding process. The development of a liquid bulk terminal has also been awarded, which includes the construction of a docking port and storage tanks within the Port of Montevideo.

Further plans include the construction of a krill deposit under the Free Port regime, for which a tender has been launched. This initiative is part of a 20-year investment project by the Norwegian group Aker. Genta also mentioned the renovation of the passenger terminal at the Port of Montevideo, though he cautioned that this project will take several more years to complete. A proposal submitted by Buquebus in 2025 was declared "of interest" in March of this year, aiming to enhance passenger transport between Montevideo and Buenos Aires, as well as cruise ship activities.

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This will provide an opportunity to venture into new businesses and improve one of the fundamental activities of the Port of Montevideo, which is passenger transport between the Uruguayan capital and Buenos Aires, as well as cruise ship activity, which will also use this terminal.