The company DEME Group has argued that the bidding document for the waterways favors the firm Jan de Nul, the current concessionaire along with the Argentine EMPEA. Various companies, including Rohde Nielsen, Van Oord, and CCC Shanghai Dredging, have raised objections to the process.
The Government received with satisfaction the first-instance ruling, which it hopes will be confirmed by the Federal Administrative Litigation Chamber. It is believed that the Chamber's decision could pave the way for the bidding process, which is a crucial step in the process.
According to journalist Federico Mayol, officials from Casa Rosada have assured that, if the ruling is confirmed, the bidding process will be cleared. The Government has rejected the criticisms received, stating that they seek to guarantee real competition among at least two companies.
The precautionary measure presented by the Belgian company DEME Group questioning the process and requesting extended deadlines was ruled in favor of the Government in the first instance by Judge Enrique Lavié Pico. This dispute over the bidding has become a focal point of tension between the PRO and the ruling party of Javier Milei.
It is expected that the new conditions of the bidding will allow for deeper navigation from 34 to 42 feet within five to six years, which is a crucial aspect of the development of the waterways of the Paraná and Paraguay rivers.
