Brazil updates Port Authority Guard rules to tighten port security

The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) took an important step on Tuesday (4) to strengthen security in the country’s public ports. In a ceremony held in Brasília, Minister Silvio Costa Filho signed the new Port Authority Guard ordinance, an instrument that updates and improves the regulatory framework governing security and surveillance activities in port areas.

The measure replaces Ordinance 84/2021 and establishes clearer rules for the Port Authority Guard’s operations, particularly regarding the prohibition on outsourcing activities involving the exercise of police powers. This ensures that the Guard, an operational member of the Unified Public Security System (SUSP), maintains exclusivity over typical public security actions such as patrolling, access control, asset protection, and risk management.

Minister Silvio Costa Filho highlighted the collective nature of the drafting process for the new regulation and the importance of dialogue in advancing public policies. “I am happy because what is happening here today is the result of the Workers’ Forum, which we created back when we took over the Ministry. This forum has played a pedagogical and constructive role because it clearly demonstrates that through dialogue we can build the strong partnerships Brazil needs,” he said.

Following discussions at the Permanent Forum of Port Workers, the new ordinance was developed collaboratively, with the participation of representatives from port authorities, workers, private operators, and the National Secretariat for Ports. The goal was to align the regulation with current legislation, such as Law 13.675/2018 (SUSP Law) and the new Law 14.967/2024, which establishes the Statute of Private Security and the Security of Financial Institutions.

Among the main advances are:

• Reaffirmation of the responsibility of the Port Authority Guard in carrying out public security activities in public ports;
• Definition of minimum qualification criteria for leadership positions within the Guard;
• Mandatory creation of ongoing training programs for professionals;
• Possibility of hiring private security support only for auxiliary functions, such as access control and asset protection, as provided by law;
• Clarification of the responsibility of lessees and private operators for the security of their own areas, ensuring that each concessionaire adopts appropriate surveillance and control measures in accordance with the law.

Diálogo

During the ceremony, authorities and sector representatives emphasized the democratic nature and consensus built around the ordinance.

The Executive Secretary of MPor, Tomé Franca, emphasized the administration’s commitment to dialogue. “I want to acknowledge Minister Silvio’s leadership—he engages with everyone, without prejudice. He talks with the private sector, those who invest, produce, generate jobs and income, and he talks with the working class. That’s exactly what the country needs,” he said.

The Director of Port Management and Modernization at MPor, Ana Bomfim, also emphasized dialogue as the foundation of the process. “The signing of this ordinance symbolizes the work of the Permanent Forum of Port Workers, which sought to promote broad and constructive dialogue among all the stakeholders involved,” she said.

MPor and port entities

Representing the National Secretary for Ports, Alex Ávila, advisor Bruno Neri congratulated the entities for their collaborative effort. “I would like to congratulate all the federations, unions, and representative entities for the collective work done here. And also congratulate Minister Silvio, because this is the result of the Workers’ Forum,” he stated.

Organizations representing port workers also celebrated the progress. The Executive Secretary of the Brazilian Association of Port and Waterway Entities (ABEPH), Gilmara Timóteo, described the moment as historic. “It’s an emblematic date. For years we’ve waited for this—for an opportunity to form a commission that could engage in dialogue and reach a democratic moment like this.”

The President of the Port Workers’ Guard Union of Espírito Santo, Robson Luiz de Souza, also highlighted the collective effort. “Dialogue is the best path, and that’s what this forum showed. In the end, common sense prevailed, dialogue prevailed, and today we have an agreement.”

Segurança

In addition to providing legal certainty to port administrations, the initiative also represents a milestone in the recognition and appreciation of the Port Authority Guard’s career, which now has clearer rules for its structure, qualification, and integration into the national public security network.

The expectation is that the new ordinance will help make Brazilian ports even safer, more modern, and more efficient, in line with international standards for the protection of port facilities and logistics operations.

Source: Ministério dos Portos e Aeroportos

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