Brazilian Government Issues Regulations for BR do Mar, Boosting Coastal Shipping
On 16 July 2025, Decree No. 12,555/2025 was published, setting out the regulatory framework for Law No. 14,301/2022, known as the “BR do Mar” Programme. The initiative aims to enhance coastal navigation (cabotage) in Brazil, with a view to reducing logistics costs, expanding the availability of maritime transport between domestic ports, and strengthening the national shipbuilding industry.
Among the key developments introduced by the new regulation is the flexibilisation of rules governing the chartering of foreign-flagged vessels by Brazilian shipping companies, including for the temporary replacement of ships under construction or maintenance, as well as for servicing new routes. The revised regime is supported by several operational simplification measures, including the waiver of the Free Pratique Certificate (CLP – Portuguese acronym) for foreign-chartered vessels and authorisation to procure insurance abroad, all aimed at streamlining procedures and increasing the competitiveness of such operations.
The Decree further prioritises the contracting of vessels that meet environmental sustainability standards and ensure adequate working conditions. It also seeks to encourage the modernisation of the domestic fleet and the revival of Brazilian shipyards, through the preferential allocation of resources from the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM – Portuguese acronym).
The new regulatory framework marks a significant step towards greater legal and operational predictability in the sector, fostering investment and promoting enhanced competitiveness within Brazil’s coastal shipping market.
Law No. 14,301/2022 is available here and Decree No. 12,555/2025 here, in Portuguese.
The alert was produced by Bernardo Mendes Vianna and Bernardo Santana, partner and associate in the Maritime practice, who are available to clarify any questions or assess specific scenarios.