Jan De Nul and Servimagnus will form Vía Navegable Argentina to operate the waterway

The Argentine government has officially awarded the concession for the Vía Navegable Troncal, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the country's logistics competitiveness and facilitating international trade. The winning bid was submitted by the Belgian company Jan De Nul and the Argentine firm Servimagnus, who have now formed a joint entity called Vía Navegable Argentina (VNA). This new venture will oversee the execution, maintenance, and operation of the navigable route, which serves as a vital artery for Argentina’s agricultural exports. The award was formally announced on June 19, 2026, following a public tender process conducted by the National Agency of Ports and Navigation (ANPYN).

The Vía Navegable Troncal plays a central role in Argentina’s economy, particularly in its agro-industrial sector. Over 80 percent of the country’s grain and by-product exports pass through this waterway, making it essential for maintaining the nation’s position in global markets. The project aims to modernize and improve the efficiency of the route, incorporating advanced technology and sustainable practices. According to the companies involved, the initiative is expected to create over 600 jobs directly and indirectly, providing long-term economic benefits to local communities along the river corridor.

Wim Bosteels, acting representative of Jan De Nul, emphasized the significance of the concession, stating that the company is fully aware of the strategic importance of the Vía Navegable Troncal for Argentina’s economic growth. He highlighted their commitment to utilizing top-tier technical expertise, human resources, and technological innovation to ensure the success of the infrastructure project. Similarly, Marcos De Vincenzi, CEO of Servimagnus, noted that the proposal includes private investment, use of proprietary equipment, environmental care, and unprecedented technology transfer. His statement underscored the goal of delivering a modern, transparent, and globally competitive navigable route.

The Vía Navegable Troncal has been under continuous development and maintenance efforts for the past three decades, contributing significantly to national production, expanded farmland, increased export volumes, and foreign exchange earnings. Now, VNA seeks to build upon these achievements by implementing cutting-edge technologies and adhering to high standards of quality, safety, and environmental performance. The ultimate objective is to strengthen Argentina’s logistical system, reduce costs associated with international trade, and boost export growth and overall economic development.

The announcement of the concession came after the national government completed the privatization process of the strategic route. The decision was formalized through Resolution No. 2026-36-APN-ANPYN#MEC issued by the ANPYN, marking the conclusion of the evaluation phase and closing the bidding process. This move represents a significant step toward transforming Argentina’s transportation infrastructure and aligning it with contemporary global standards.

However, while the concession marks a milestone, challenges remain regarding the broader inland waterway network. An analysis by economist Gerardo Alonso Schwarz highlights the need for legislative reform and the removal of regulatory barriers that hinder the development of a comprehensive inland transportation system. The current legal framework, dating back more than eight decades, imposes costs and restrictions that make river transport less economically viable compared to neighboring countries such as Paraguay, which has developed extensive port terminals and a robust fleet of barges.

Schwarz emphasizes that the modernization of the main hydrovia should be complemented by improvements in the entire inland waterway system. He points out that provinces like Misiones, Corrientes, Chaco, and Formosa have natural access to rivers but continue to rely heavily on road transport due to inadequate infrastructure and restrictive regulations. Enhancing river connectivity could lead to substantial reductions in logistics costs, benefiting producers and exporters, especially in regions where agricultural output is expanding into areas farther from major ports.

In response to these developments, the province of Corrientes has taken steps to enhance its port infrastructure and accelerate the operational readiness of the Ituzaingó port. The provincial government has undertaken significant investments to increase the capacity of the capital’s port, including the expansion of the customs area and the installation of advanced security systems. These measures aim to support the growing volume of exports and ensure efficient operations.

Additionally, the province is working on meeting the administrative and safety requirements necessary to obtain the final commercial authorization for the Ituzaingó port. Technical teams are currently finalizing minor works related to perimeter fencing, camera optimization, and lighting adjustments. Once these tasks are complete, they will submit the required documentation to the relevant national authorities for inspection and approval. This effort underscores the province’s commitment to developing a robust and integrated inland waterway system that supports regional economic growth and enhances Argentina’s position in global trade.