The Chamber of Deputies concluded, this Wednesday (15), the vote on the bill that creates the Program to Stimulate Transport by Cabotage, the so-called BR do Mar. The bill was analyzed by the Senate on the 25th of November and there were suggestions for changes, so the Chamber went back to discussing the text and the amendments were rejected. The matter will now be sent to presidential approval.
One of the pillars of the PL of BR do Mar, proposed by the Executive Branch, is the progressive release of the use of foreign ships in coastal shipping (between national ports) without the obligation to contract the construction of vessels in Brazilian shipyards.
With regard to the productive sector, the proposal allows the use of resources from the Tax Regime to Incentive the Modernization and Expansion of the Port Structure, the so-called Reporto, for works, improvements and repairs to vessels and port and waterway infrastructure.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the new legislation can reduce freight costs by up to R$1.7 billion per year and the final amount, priced with social, economic and environmental advantages, we are talking about a potential reduction in costs in the amount of R$ 3 billion annually.
The project was presented with the intention of improving coastal shipping, but there are those who warn of the impact it could have on the activity of truck drivers. Proponents of the proposal consider, however, that they would not be harmed, as they would be responsible for taking and removing cargo from the ports, with shorter and more compensating freights.
After four years of transition, the charter of foreign ships will be free. Thus, after a year of the law being in force, there could be two ships; in the second year of validity, three ships; and in the third year of the move, four ships. Thereafter, the quantity will be free, subject to the safety conditions defined in the regulations.
According to the text approved by the Chamber, as soon as the future law is published, companies will be able to charter a bareboat vessel, that is, rent an empty vessel for use in coastal shipping.
Reference: CNN Brasil
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