E&P companies are authorized to charter vessels related to maritime support navigation
On April 22, 2021, the Brazilian National Agency of Waterway Transportation (Antaq in portuguese) published a resolution that amends their Normative Resolution 01/2015 and 1.811/2010, allowing E&P companies that are not authorized as a Brazilian Shipping Companies (EBNs in portuguese) to charter vessels for maritime support navigation.
However, some requirements need to be fulfilled in order to apply Antaq´s amendments.
Among those, it is required that the chartering of the vessels be carried out directly before an EBN, duly authorized to operate maritime support navigation, which will also be responsible to proceed with the contract registration before Antaq’s system. Furthermore, the E&P companies are only allowed to use vessels on their own benefit, being prohibited of any third party service purpose, as well as the sub-chartering of vessels.
Nevertheless, regarding the sub-chartering of foreign flag vessels by E&P companies, it is authorized since the administrative resolution requirements are duly accomplished.
The resolution is available in portuguese here.
The Maritime team is available in case of doubts.