Public consultation resumes on essential clauses for long-term coastal shipping contracts

The Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) reopened the deadline for submitting contributions to the public consultation regarding the draft ordinance on the essential clauses of long-term cabotage transport contracts on August 11. The measure is provided for in Article 7 of Law No. 14,301/2022 (BR do Mar) and establishes criteria for agreements between shipowners and cargo shippers, aiming to increase predictability, ensure legal security, and promote sustainability in operations.

The proposal was developed based on international practices and adapted to the specificities of the Brazilian market. This model is strategic for the development of cabotage, as it enables the continuous and dedicated use of vessels to transport large volumes of cargo, without requiring shippers to maintain their own fleets.

According to Technical Note No. 3/2024, which underpins the draft, the regulation is crucial for cabotage growth. The sector, which has recorded an average annual expansion of 3.7% since 2010, still faces challenges such as high bureaucracy, tax costs, and the need for greater regulatory predictability. With clear rules and more stable contracts, the expectation is to attract new operators, increase maritime transport capacity, reduce reliance on road transport, and enhance the country’s competitiveness.

Deadline and participation
The new deadline for contributions is 15 calendar days from the publication of Ordinance No. 483, dated August 6, 2025, in the Official Gazette of the Union. The draft is available on the Participa + Brasil platform, where suggestions must also be submitted with proper justification and identification.

Source: Informativo dos Portos

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