The Federal Government published on August 25 a Provisional Measure 955/2020 that changes the Law of Ports and provides greater openness to commercial activity in ports. The law also establishes some rules for the operation of ports during the pandemic as well as the removal from the risk and financial compensation for workers of high-risk groups. According to a document that had been released by the Government, the flexibilization of lease agreements is one of the major improvements introduced by the law. Public tendering process is no longer necessary when only one is interested and registered for ports leases, as contracts must be made via public call. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq) is empowered to regulate other forms of assessing port areas and facilities not provided for in the legislation. Currently, the Agency only supervises the lease agreement for port facilities occupation.
Source: Agência Brasil