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The national government officially cancelled the bidding process for the modernization and maintenance of the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway, after only one company submitted a bid. The decision, previously announced by the presidential spokesperson, was formalized through resolution 7/2025 published in the Official Gazette. The call for tenders was aimed at the modernisation, expansion, operation and maintenance of the signalling system, as well as the dredging and re-dredging of the Main Waterway. However, despite the fact that 11 companies registered for the process and 121 technical enquiries were made, only the firm Dredging, Environmental and Marine Engineering NV (DEME) submitted a formal proposal. The Executive stressed that transparency and competition are fundamental principles in tendering procedures, which is why the possibility of cancelling the process had been stipulated in advance if only one bidder applied. In addition, they pointed out that during the procedure there was pressure to modify the requirements of the tender document and accusations about a possible bias in favour of Jan de Nul, the current concessionaire of the waterway, which ultimately did not participate. Given this situation, the Legal Affairs Department was ordered to prepare a detailed report on the procedure, which will be sent to the National Commission for the Defense of Competition. In addition, possible responsibilities in the event of irregularities will be assessed. The government stressed that the tender was validated in three judicial instances and reiterated its commitment to a transparent process. However, the only bidding company, DEME, had previously questioned the tender for alleged lack of transparency and decided to withdraw its participation shortly before the presentation of bids. The decision to cancel the tender marks a new chapter in the management of the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway, a key route for trade and navigation in the region, whose future administration remains a matter of strategic interest for the country. |
