A port dispute in Montevideo blocks a second ferry operator on the Buenos Aires route

In the port city of Montevideo, a dispute has arisen that has prevented a second ferry operator, Colonia Express, from launching a passenger and vehicle service between Montevideo and Buenos Aires. This company had obtained authorization from the Ministry of Transport and Public Works at the end of July, but is unable to begin operations due to a single pontoon at the Maciel pier.

This pontoon, owned by Buquebus, the current ferry operator, is necessary for loading and unloading vehicles carried on ships. Colonia Express is seeking permission for shared use, but Buquebus opposes this proposal. The National Ports Administration has stated that the matter is between private parties and has received no formal documentation on Colonia Express' authorization.

Colonia Express director, Sebastián Planas, plans to take legal action against both the ministry and the ports authority, demanding a solution and action from the ports authority to either share the pontoon or remove it. The pier, 380 meters long, has dredging issues and maintenance problems, which could hinder Colonia Express' ability to install a second platform.

Buquebus, owned by Argentine businessman Juan Carlos López Mena, has been awarded a tender for potential reconstruction and modernization of the pier and terminal, valued between 66 to 100 million dollars with a concession estimated at fifty years. Over 500,000 passengers and 57,000 vehicles crossed this route between January and July.