Ninth ABDM Maritime and Port Law Congress

The three-day event by the Brazilian Maritime Law Association gathered high-calibre authorities and leading stakeholders in Latin America’s largest port for high-level discussions on the future of Brazil’s maritime and port sectors

In its ninth edition, the traditional Maritime and Port Law Congress, hosted by the Brazilian Association of Maritime Law (ABDM) from 27 to 29 August in Santos, brought together high-ranking authorities from the judiciary, federal government, policymakers, and experts. The event focused on addressing regulatory challenges, infrastructure deficits, and sustainable development to chart the course of Brazil’s maritime and port sectors.

Regulations & environmental oversight

Day one of the sold-out congress opened with Minister Jorge Messias, Attorney General of Brazil, addressing the detrimental effects of regulatory oversight and excessive litigation hindering the sector’s growth. The session then turned to Bill 733/2025, a proposed regulatory framework designed to modernise port operations. This sparked debates on the role of IBAMA, the federal environmental regulatory agency, in licensing processes, and the complexities of port labour management. Federal congressman Arthur Maia, the Bill’s rapporteur, advocated for streamlined processes, while others voiced concerns about potential ecological impacts and the need for stronger environmental stewardship.

Legal security & sustainable energy initiatives

Justice Luiz Fux of the Supreme Federal Court (STF) opened the second day and addressed the critical need for legal security in port bidding to attract investment and ensure fair competition. Discussions then shifted to energy transition, examining decarbonisation strategies and carbon credit opportunities. Participants highlighted the need for a revised framework to support genuine progress in energy transition.

Day two also featured updates on ongoing infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited Santos-Guarujá underwater tunnel. A session on Latin American laws explored their impact on the region’s maritime sector. Concluding the day, Minister Antonio Anastasia of the Brazilian Court of Accounts (TCU) stressed the importance of adopting a long-term vision for concession projects, cautioning against the government’s tendency to prioritise short-term gains.

Port modernisation, updates to customs law & cabotage

The final day of the event began with TCU Minister Benjamin Zymler presenting the Tecon Santos 10 (‘STS-10’) mega terminal project. He analysed the evaluation criteria for this extensive port expansion, emphasising TCU’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public fund spending. Zymler also highlighted the need to avoid bureaucratic hurdles that could delay or hinder the project’s success.

Another panel addressed the challenges of balancing efficiency and regulatory compliance, with industry leaders expressing concerns about the burdens imposed by the federal waterway transport regulator, ANTAQ. Delegates discussed proposed changes to customs regulations, emphasising the importance of reducing bureaucracy to enhance competitiveness in foreign trade.

The congress concluded with a session on promoting inland waterway navigation and cabotage. Admiral Ralph Dias, president of the Maritime Tribunal, joined discussions moderated by Proinde’s senior partner Carlos Augusto Cabral alongside lawyer Pedro Calmon Neto, both ABDM members. The panel explored opportunities to reduce reliance on road transport and addressed challenges such as the high operating costs of cabotage vessels in the Port of Santos, where the local port authority issued a controversial regulation going beyond maritime authority standards and international conventions.

About ABDM

This ninth edition of the longstanding traditional maritime and port law event was organised by Santa Cecilia Communications System and the Santa Cecilia University (Unisanta) in Santos, with sponsorship from nationwide stakeholders. As with all previous editions of the National Maritime and Port Law Congress, Proinde, an ABDM member, was one of the supporting organisations.

Since 1961, the Brazilian Maritime Law Association has united professionals interested in legal issues related to shipping and ports. It also represents Brazil internationally within the International Maritime Committee (CMI).

Looking ahead, ABDM will host the CMI international meeting in Rio de Janeiro in May 2026, marking only the third time South America will host this prestigious event.

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