Brazil maritime sovereignty and port modernization

Brazil is pursuing strategic maritime sovereignty and modernized port management. Industry groups such as Syndarma and Abeam have signaled a commitment to local projects and the Brazilian flag to establish the country as a ‘safe harbor’ for offshore investments, specifically in the Equatorial Margin.

Efforts to modernize the maritime sector include a fleet renewal program, exemplified by the delivery of the PSV Starnav Elektra, the first vessel in the Petrobras renewal program built with BNDES financing. This vessel is the first of ten hybrid supply vessels scheduled for construction at the Detroit shipyard in Santa Catarina.

On the regulatory front, the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (Antaq) has implemented the Investment Monitoring System (SAI). This digital tool replaces manual reporting with a standardized workflow to track port investments within lease and adhesion contracts. Furthermore, Antaq has engaged in technical collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to exchange expertise regarding waterway infrastructure, environmental management, and shallow-water navigation.