Comparative Study on Maritime Port Concession Management Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean

This report presents the results of the consultancy commissioned by the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS) to Maritime Policy Bureau (MPB), with the objective of analyzing, comparing and proposing improvements to port concession models in ten Latin American and Caribbean countries. The study includes a detailed analysis by country, a regional comparative evaluation, and the development of a new port concession management model called *Smart Public Port Partnership (SP3).

Common patterns were identified, such as the prevalence of the landlord model, evolving regulatory frameworks, weaknesses in sustainability and limited interoperability between concessions and logistics chains. At the same time, good practices and innovative mechanisms applicable regionally were documented.

This report also proposes a set of technical indicators, scalable sustainability strategies and guidelines to improve efficiency, transparency and public-private participation. SP3 integrates lessons learned and proposes a cooperative, technical and measurable framework adapted to the region's logistical and governance challenges. The document is structured to facilitate its use as a strategic, technical and public policy reference by governments, port authorities, concessionaires and multilateral organizations.

For more information, please contact Sabina Malnis of the CIP Secretariat, smalnis@oas.org.