By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – The ambitious plan to overhaul and modernize Costa Rica’s principal Pacific gateway, Puerto Caldera, has officially cleared its final administrative obstacle. The Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) has dismissed the last remaining objection against the public tender, providing the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (Incop) with the definitive green light to advance the critical infrastructure project.
The ruling, issued Friday, rejected an appeal filed on October 6 by the company Logística de Grano S.A. The CGR determined that the firm had forfeited its right to challenge the bidding process by failing to present its objections during the initial designated window. This procedural decision effectively solidifies the tender’s terms and conditions, closing the door on further legal delays from this party.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and commercial framework governing the operations at Puerto Caldera, we consulted with expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The ongoing debate surrounding Puerto Caldera is a critical test of Costa Rica’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure through public-private partnerships. The legal certainty of the concession contract is paramount. Any proposed changes must not only address the immediate logistical challenges but also provide a stable, long-term investment climate, ensuring the port remains a competitive gateway for our nation’s foreign trade.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The emphasis on legal certainty as the bedrock for both resolving current challenges and ensuring future competitiveness truly gets to the heart of the matter. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the high stakes involved in the Puerto Caldera discussion.
Logística de Grano S.A. had raised several substantive concerns in its now-dismissed appeal. The company questioned the legality of including existing infrastructure in the new concession, argued against what it perceived as an improper reduction in the exploitation fee, and highlighted a lack of clarity regarding the future provision of tugboat services, which were not explicitly included in the new contract.
With the legal challenges now resolved, Incop can fully focus on the contracting phase. The institute aims to select and finalize an agreement with a new concessionaire by August 2026. This timeline is crucial, as it coincides with the expiration of the current operational contract for the port, ensuring a seamless transition and avoiding any disruption to the nation’s vital trade operations.
The modernization of Puerto Caldera is widely seen as a project of national strategic importance. As the primary hub for goods moving between Costa Rica and Asian markets, the port’s efficiency directly impacts the country’s economic competitiveness. For years, the facility has faced challenges related to congestion, aging equipment, and logistical bottlenecks, which increase costs for both importers and exporters.
The planned overhaul is expected to address these deficiencies head-on. A new operator will be tasked with significant capital investments aimed at expanding capacity, deploying state-of-the-art cranes and cargo handling equipment, and integrating advanced digital systems for port management. These upgrades are designed to drastically reduce vessel turnaround times and improve the overall flow of goods through the Pacific corridor.
This public-private partnership model allows the government to leverage private sector capital and operational expertise to achieve a large-scale infrastructure renewal that would be challenging to finance through public funds alone. The successful bidder will invest in the port’s future in exchange for the rights to operate it for a specified term, a common and effective model for major infrastructure projects globally.
The CGR’s decision marks a pivotal moment, shifting the project from a phase of planning and legal contention to one of active implementation. For Costa Rica’s business community, it signals a forthcoming era of enhanced logistical efficiency, potentially lowering costs and opening new opportunities for international trade. Incop’s immediate task is to proceed with the tender, attracting a world-class operator capable of transforming Puerto Caldera into a modern, competitive, and reliable port for the 21st century.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About Contraloría General de la República (CGR):
The Comptroller General of the Republic is Costa Rica’s supreme audit institution. It is responsible for overseeing the proper use of public funds and ensuring the legality and efficiency of the public administration’s financial management. The CGR plays a critical role in fiscal control, public procurement oversight, and promoting transparency and accountability within the government.
For further information, visit incop.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Puertos del Pacífico (Incop):
The Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports is the autonomous government entity charged with the administration, development, and modernization of Costa Rica’s ports on the Pacific coast, most notably Puerto Caldera. Incop is responsible for planning and executing port infrastructure projects and managing the concessions that allow private companies to operate port terminals.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Logística de Grano S.A.
About Logística de Grano S.A.:
Logística de Grano S.A. is a company operating within the logistics and commodities sector in Costa Rica. The firm is involved in the handling and management of bulk goods, such as grains, and participates in the broader supply chain ecosystem connected to the country’s port activities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-seated principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of distinction in its practice. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and champion innovation within the profession. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to social progress, demonstrated through initiatives that make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby empowering individuals and enriching the community as a whole.
