APS approves agreement on waterway access tariffs and expects to receive R$416.9 million

The Santos Port Authority (APS) approved an agreement with Centro Nacional de Navegação Transatlântica (Centronave) to end the dispute over charges for waterway access infrastructure tariffs at the Port of Santos. The proposal still needs to be approved by the 4th Federal Court of the Santos Judicial Subsection.

The agreement provides for reorganizing the tariff classification of Centronave members under Table I, as well as adopting criteria for discounts linked to frequency and the mode of navigation. The rules must be applied equally to users who meet the same requirements, whether or not they are members of the organization.

The dispute began in 2022, when shipowners and operators challenged the full tariff charges in court. At the time, the plaintiffs argued that planned investments in port infrastructure had not been made. While the case was pending, the amounts corresponding to the tariffs continued to be deposited with the court.

Based on audited figures as of June 30, 2026, APS is expected to receive approximately R$416.9 million. The release of the funds will depend on judicial approval and compliance with the steps provided for in the agreement.

Since September 15, 2025, the port authority has applied a 34.6% discount to the tariffs charged to the shipowners and operators covered by the measure, under Portaria DIPRE No. 191/2025. After approval, new court deposits will be discontinued and payments are expected to resume being made directly to APS.

The agreement also provides for the publication of a new portaria to regulate the discounts, following the procedures established by ANTAQ Resolution No. 61/2021. APS will be responsible for calculating, reviewing, and reconciling the amounts invoiced and deposited in the proceedings.

The port authority also reported that it maintains an investment plan estimated at approximately R$12.5 billion, including federal funds. The interventions mentioned include expanding the Port of Santos's internal rail network and projects with contracts that have already been formalized.