Port sector coalition mobilizes to defend ‘BR do Mar’ and the extension of ‘Reporto’

Six entities from the port business sector – ABRATEC (the Brazilian Association of container terminals); ABTL (the Brazilian association of liquid terminals); ABTP (the Brazilian association of port terminals); ABTRA (the Brazilian association of terminals and customs areas), ATP (the association of private port terminals) and FENOP (the national federation of port operations) – sent a joint note to federal ministers and party leaders in defense of the ‘BR do Mar’ project and extension of ‘Reporto’, which expires on December 31.

The so-called Port Business Coalition arose from a meeting held on November 30, for approval of the ‘BR do Mar’ project (PL No. 4199/20) that establishes a program to stimulate cabotage transport and the extension of ‘Reporto’, in addition to promoting debates and strengthening joint positioning on all relevant topics for the port sector.

A truck loaded with a container holding an advertisement with the information proposed by the Port Business Coalition is circulating around the outskirts of the National Congress as part of the strategic action of convincing parliamentarians and political leaders in Brasilia.

“Valuations and incentives for water and rail transport are necessary and long-awaited measures by Brazilian society, including in particular private companies operating in the national port sector,” highlights the coalition text.

“we highlight the Bill No. 4199/2020, which establishes the program to stimulate cabotage transport – BR do Mar – and amends Law No. 5474 of 18 July 1968, Law No. 9432 of 8 January 1997, Law No. 10,233, of June 5, 2001, and Law No. 10,893 of July 13, 2004. The incentive for Brazilian cabotage transport, certainly, could generate an increase in port operations, resulting in a reduction in logistical costs and [an increase] in the national competitiveness”, follows the letter.

The coalition also highlights other issues relevant to the competitiveness of Brazilian cabotage, such as: short distance aquaviary transport, practice services, tugs, and the need for a tax reduction for marine fuels.

The entities also suggest that Article 16 of Law No. 11,033/2004 be amended to include dredging companies, secondary zone bonded enclosures, and professional education and training centers, which may import critical equipment for their operations until December 2025.

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