Brazil Advances Accession to the Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention

On 13 March 2026, the Federal Senate approved the international convention adopted by the IMO, closing the congressional phase of the ratification process

Background

The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 (WRC), establishes uniform international rules and strict financial liability frameworks for shipowners. This framework, adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and entered into force globally in 2015, ensures the prompt, effective removal of hazardous shipwrecks and drifting structures that threaten navigation safety or the marine environment. It also mandates compulsory insurance or financial security for vessels of 300 gross tonnage (GT) and above. 

For over a decade, Brazil remained outside this uniform regime, relying instead on fragmented domestic legislation. However, the regulatory landscape shifted when the Federal Senate approved Legislative Decree (PDL) 269/2024, resulting in Legislative Decree 15/2026. This milestone concludes the congressional phased required to incorporate the international standard into Brazilian maritime law.

Domestic Ratification

Presidential Promulgation  

The next immediate step for full implementation is the presidential promulgation via a formal executive decree. This officially incorporates the text of the Convention into the domestic legal framework. The decree is then published in the Official Gazette.

International Deposit

Brazil must formally deposit its instrument of accession with the Secretary-General of the IMO. Per treaty rules, the Convention will officially enter into force internationally for Brazil three months after this deposit is registered.

Regulatory Adaptation

The Brazilian Maritime Authority must update its local maritime authority standards, known as NORMAMs. These updates will align current national wreck policies, dictated by Law 7.542/1986, with the new international standards.

Port State Control officers must integrate the new enforcement protocols into their routine inspections. Once active, maritime authorities will begin verifying that foreign and domestic vessels over 300 GT carry a valid Wreck Removal Convention Certificate before entering Brazilian ports.

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