Marinha Mercante: a política protecionista na cabotagem, sob a ótica da expressão militar

Abstract

This study addresses the adoption of protectionist or liberal policies in national cabotage, from the point of view of the military expression of National Power. Although cabotage is the most economical and least polluting means of cargo transport, with protectionist public policies throughout most of its trajectory, it accounts for 11% of the cargo transported in the country, while the road modal serves 65% of the national cargo. The aim of this study is to understand the reasons that justify the maintenance of protectionist policies in cabotage, even if the results are questionable. In the economic expression of National Power, the sector has polarized opinions on the effectiveness of adopting protectionist public policies in opposition to liberal policy. In 2018, the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) raised obstacles to the development of the sector. In 2020, the National Waterway Transport Agency (ANTAQ) prepared a study on coastal shipping, in order to find a regulatory option that would encourage the sector. The Federal Government presented a draft law nº. 4199/2020, known as BR do Mar, making the possibilities of chartering foreign vessels more flexible. It deals with the peculiarities of protectionism and liberalism, presenting reasons that justify those practices. It mentions the evolution of national policies to encourage cabotage. The scope of this study was based on ANTAQ and TCU reports; and in the BR do Mar Government Program. The conclusion indicates that the strategic character of cabotage, from a military perspective, is restricted to the expansion of ownership of deployable ships, regardless of their cargos. And that the military expression of National Power must support protectionism until the satisfactory achievement of a deployable national fleet.