The State of Paraná (Brazil), through the Port Authority of Paranaguá and Antonina (APPA), has launched a tender process to develop the feasibility studies to develop the social and tourism infrastructure at the port through a public-private partnership (PPP) project.

Feasibility studies (technical, environmental, economic, financial and legal) must be submitted by companies registered until 20 November 2014.

The project, which was the subject of a public hearing on 28 July 2014, aims to strengthen the tourist scene of Paraná and contribute to integrate the port with the adjacent urban area.

APPA has developed conceptual designs for the project, which will see the creation of 24 new areas in the eastern sector of the Port of Paranaguá. The new areas include: a new administrative center, four buildings, a marina, a passenger terminal, an heliport, a hotel, a restaurant, a parking and a recreation area.

The port of Paranaguá exports the largest volume of agricultural products of any of the ports of Brazil, notably of grain grown in the southern regions of the country. The port is also a major trade center of automobiles, fertilizer, lumber, paper, petroleum products, salt, soy beans, and sugar.