Constant concern about vessels and their equipment at the end of their production cycles
Over the years, the countries with the largest maritime commerce have become aware of the importance of socio-environmental responsibility and sustainability, encouraging activities associated with the management and reuse of materials aimed at recycling vessels, offshore maritime assets, and support equipment at the end of their production cycles.
In this sense, the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro, motivated by the recent collision of the ship "São Luiz", abandoned in Guanabara Bay for years, enacted Law No 10.028 dated May 26, 2023 with a view to encouraging the proper and sustainable management of procedures related to the reuse of components, waste and even hazardous materials applied in the maritime industry.
The state law reinforces maritime authority norms, mostly the so-called NORMAM 8, which determines the activation of the competent (authorities) maritime and/or port authorities for the adoption of appropriate measures - including the cancellation of the vessel's registration - in the case of abandonment and loss of the vessel. This Law innovates by providing for the adoption of a "Strategic Plan for the Development of the Economy of the Sea” to be implemented by the Government. This Plan contemplates the activities resulting from the decommissioning of ships and other maritime assets that are at the end of their life cycle.
The idea of this norm is not restricted to socio-environmental preservation, but it also intends to contribute to the economic development of the State, stimulating the competitiveness of business activities linked to the naval sector, through the innovation of recycling processes, which should be committed to the best practices applied in the industry.
The Law No 10.028 is here, in Portuguese.
The Maritime team is available in case of doubts.