BR do Mar cabotage project postponed a week after deputies disagree on voting

On December 2, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Rodrigo Maia (DEM-RJ), struck from the agenda the project to encourage coastal shipping, known as BR do Mar (PL 4199/20) due to lack of agreement on voting.

The Plenary had begun to analyze the project. However, in conversation with the rapporteur, Mr. Gurgel (PSL-RJ), and other leaders, Maia found that the text would not have an agreement to be voted on. He called on parties to negotiate points of disagreement so that the text will return to the agenda next week.

“So that we avoid a disorganized vote on a complex matter,  it is important to adjust the text, so that on Monday afternoon we can start the voting process with the fewest main points,” said Maia, stressing that he has already almost 20 attempts to change the text.

Bill No. 4199/20 of the Executive Branch progressively releases the use of foreign ships in coastal shipping without the obligation to contract the construction of vessels in Brazilian shipyards.

The rapporteur’s preliminary opinion increases the transition time from three to four years after which the chartering of foreign ships will be free. Thus, after one year of the law, there may be two ships; in the second year of validity, three ships; and in the third year of the move, four ships. Thereafter, the number of ships will be open, subject to the security conditions defined in the regulation.

Deputy Alexis Fonteyne (Novo-SP) criticized the obstruction and defended the vote on the proposal to encourage navigation. “Brazilian cabotage is colonial, they are true sea notaries. We are losing resources ”, he criticized.

Deputy General Peternelli (PSL-SP) defended the proposal and argued that navigation by sea is more economical. “We also have great shipyards and BR do Mar provides financing for 100% of the vessels, provided they are built in Brazilian shipyards. This is a very big opportunity,” he said.

Source: Agência Câmara de Notícias

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