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The tender for the Comodoro Rivadavia shipyard represents a key opportunity for the Argentine naval industry, but also raises questions about its possible use as a logistics base for foreign fleets at mile 200. The Port Authority of the Port of Comodoro Rivadavia (APPCR) has scheduled the opening of envelopes for February 12, with the aim of defining those interested in the exploitation of this strategic infrastructure. The Terms and Conditions document establishes a monthly fee of US$ 15,000, with a total exemption during the first three years of the contract. The concession, which will extend for 20 years with the possibility of an extension for 10 more, covers a total of 29,244 square meters, including 21,359.24 m2 of land and 7,885 m2 of water. The strategic location of the shipyard raises concerns about its possible use by foreign fleets operating in mile 200, an area of ??high economic and environmental value. In previous tenders, the shipyard did not attract investment, which led the Chubut Government to implement tax incentives through the Law for the Promotion of the Naval Industry. This measure seeks to encourage private investment in naval infrastructure, although without explicit guarantees that it will not benefit foreign fleets. Governor Ignacio Torres has emphasized the importance of this initiative within the industrial development plan of the region, with an investment of more than $4 billion in dredging and structural improvements to the port. According to Torres, the project will allow for job creation and consolidate Comodoro Rivadavia as a key industrial hub in Patagonia. One of the most relevant aspects of the tender is the possible construction of a state-of-the-art Syncrolift, an improvement that will be decisive in the evaluation of the offers. However, the lack of clear regulations on the vessels that will be able to access this service generates uncertainty regarding its possible use by foreign fleets. Proposals must include details of the work to be carried out, execution timeframes and itemised budgets. Should dredging be required for the installation of the Syncrolift, the costs will be borne by the concessionaire, suggesting a long-term investment dependent on a constant volume of operations. This bidding process is an opportunity to strengthen the shipbuilding industry in Comodoro Rivadavia, but it also entails challenges in terms of sustainability and economic sovereignty. The lack of specific regulations on the beneficiaries of the shipyards services could turn this initiative into a risk for national marine resources. |
