Some agribusiness segments are trying to convince senators to draw attention to the bill that earned the nickname of “BR do Mar” (Sea Road) as it shows great potential to reduce costs for cargoes such as soy, corn, and fertilizers. The Chamber of Deputies approved the bill at the end of 2020. One of its pillars is the flexibility of chartering foreign vessels, encouraging cabotage on the Brazilian coast. “BR do Mar” intends to increase the fleet, as well as competition, and so reduce costs. The extension of the non-levy of the Additional Freight for Renewal of the Merchant Marine (AFRMM) up to 2027 on goods originating or destined to ports located in the North and Northeast, in cabotage, inland river, and lake navigations is another central issue. The current deadline ends on January 8, 2022. The National Confederation of Industry (CNI) stated in a note that the measure has an “important role” in the development of the regions. The Brazilian Association of Cabotage Shipowners (Abac) is one of the entities against the scenario in which the volume of foreign vessels will become significant in Brazil.
Source: Canal Rural (*Translated by Ia Niani)