A few days before the parliamentary recess, the Legislative Branch members passed two crucial bills, known as “Marco Legal das Ferrovias” (PL No. 3,754/2021, former PLS No. 261/2018) and “BR do Mar” (PL No. 4,199/2020), which proceed for presidential sanction. Both proposals were being processed as a matter of urgency, given the importance of their texts.

The first project, approved earlier this week (12/14), refers to the permission to operate railway services by private sector companies without the need for a concession. Such a delegation strategy, via direct authorization by the regulatory agency, dramatically reduces the system’s bureaucracy, increasing investments in infrastructure in the sector. However, the text provides that the permissions must be preceded by technical studies schedules, among other rules necessary for the project, under penalty of being denied. The proposal’s main objective is to promote the transport of goods in the country, enabling more significant investments for the modal.

And, also recently approved (12/15), the project that deals with coastal navigation in the country and which aims to stimulate the national naval industry, thus freeing the highways. In the discussion of the previous project, the parliamentarians highlighted, however, that the coastal navigation framework would not have the power to compete with road transport but would serve as a complement to improve the efficiency and logistics of transport in the national territory. In this sense, the transport of cargo between ports will create new routes, which will reduce the costs of the sector and increase competition, implying, consequently, the increase of investments and modernization of the industry. The text also allows Brazilian Shipping Companies (EBNs) to rent foreign fleets in certain circumstances, expanding their operations.

Undoubtedly, the approved projects are highly relevant for the Brazilian economy, encouraging increased investments in the railway and coastal navigation sectors, with cost reductions and the modernization of the modes essential for transporting cargo in the country.