Interministerial Group will reform the National Maritime Policy

In an effort to modernize activities related to the maritime industry, the Federal Government established, on January 22, through Decree No. 10,607, an Interministerial Working Group to reform the National Maritime Policy (Política Marítima Nacional – PMN). The reform will address all matters related to the current use of marine space, in light of the growing territorialization of the oceans and the increasing demands of the blue economy.

The objective is to create better conditions for the sustainable exploitation of Brazil’s maritime potential, promoting job creation and the modernization of existing policies and activities including those related to shipbuilding and the fishing industry.

The National Maritime Policy (PMN) was originally established in 1994 by Decree No. 1,265, with the aim of guiding the development of Brazil’s maritime activities, ensuring the effective, rational, and full use of the sea and inland waterways in accordance with national interests.

The Interministerial Working Group will have a one-year mandate, renewable for an equal period, and will be responsible for integrating all policies related to the use of the sea. Its duties also include proposing procedures for the implementation of the new integrated National Maritime Policy, evaluating funding mechanisms, defining objectives and priorities for each sector involved, and drafting regulatory instruments necessary for the reform’s execution.

According to Article 2 of the Decree, the working group will be coordinated by representatives of the Navy Command, and will include representatives from the following ministries:

• Ministry of Justice and Public Security

• Ministry of Defense

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Ministry of the Economy

• Ministry of Infrastructure

• Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply

• Ministry of Citizenship

• Ministry of Health

• Ministry of Mines and Energy

• Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation

• Ministry of the Environment

• Ministry of Tourism

• Ministry of Regional Development

• Office of the Attorney General

  
  

The first step has been taken toward addressing key issues for the growth of Brazil’s maritime sector. The next will be to observe whether the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches will act effectively to ensure legal certainty and the successful implementation of the reform.

Sources:

• Decree No. 1,265/1994

• Decree No. 10,607/2021