08/07/2026 04:36 - Economia
In a transcendental step for foreign trade, the Argentine Ministry of Economy has confirmed the signing of the new concession contract for the Trunk Waterway—locally known as the 'Hidrovía'—with the consortium Jan de Nul - Servimagnus. This agreement marks the end of state management and the beginning of a private investment era that promises to boost Argentina's competitiveness in the global market.
The Trunk Waterway, commonly known in Argentina as the 'Hidrovía', is the country's main river transport artery. Through its waters circulates nothing less than 80% of Argentine foreign trade. Keeping it operational, deep, and safe is fundamental so that thousands of tons of grains and manufactured goods can reach the export ports and, from there, the world.
The news brings relief and joy to the productive sector. With the automatic activation of the concession, a 13.5% reduction in toll values is implemented. But that is not all: the plan includes channel deepening works and the incorporation of cutting-edge technology. This will allow vessels to depart with greater cargo loads and in less time, which will translate into a significant reduction in logistical costs for exporters and industries.
The winning consortium, of Belgian origin, met all the required standards. For this management, it formed a specific company called Vía Navegable Argentina S.A. (Argentine Navigable Way Inc.). Furthermore, an orderly transition has been guaranteed, including the transfer of assets from the state management and the hiring of the necessary workers to carry out the dredging, beaconing, and hydrometric recording of the waterway.
The national government will maintain its role as the control authority. A Control Council will be formed with the participation of private users and representatives of the coastal provinces to supervise the development of the concession.
The entire bidding process was accompanied by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ensuring compliance with the best international practices.
Various business chambers have celebrated this news, describing it as a historic milestone for production. The tender, one of the most technically complex in the country, was carried out without objections from the participating companies, reflecting the transparency and solidity of the process that successfully concluded on July 7, 2026.
Source: A24
Alfredo S. Quiroga
