Antaq adopts new emergency actions in support to Rio Grande do Sul

Porto Alegre keeps port closed after flooding; port area will require total reconstruction (Portos RS/Divulgation)

To continue assisting the victims of Rio Grande do Sul, the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq) announced on Wednesday (29) the publication of a new resolution (115/2024).

The measure establishes that temporary use lease contracts and adhesion contracts, whose cargo originates from or is destined to Rio Grande do Sul. And it may handle and store goods different from those contractually stipulated, under special and emergency conditions.

The resolution also allows the suspension of the counting of container free storage days when the counting of demurrage has not commenced, and no charges shall be issued to users in these cases.

The competence to authorize requests for time chartering to vessels originating from or destined to ports in Rio Grande do Sul, considering the public interest of the state's situation, is delegated to the technical licensing area of the agency. Currently, authorization from the Collegiate Board is required. With this measure, it will be possible to expedite the processes of time chartering authorization.

The new measure also authorizes support facility registrations located in Rio Grande do Sul to use equipment not permitted. This measure applies to authorizations based on Antaq Resolution 13/2016, and the permitted equipment is listed as standard.

The Agency also determined the suspension, for six months, of processes involving sanctions concerning port facilities, as well as the analysis of requests for price adjustments for inland navigation ferry service lines, under Federal jurisdiction, of facilities located in Rio Grande do Sul.

"Antaq emphasizes that all authorizations under the resolution do not exempt authorized parties from meeting requirements with the Brazilian Federal Revenue, the Brazilian Navy, the Municipal Public Authority, the Customs Authority, the local Fire Department and the Environmental Agency".

Two weeks ago, Antaq had formalized some actions, such as exempting or partially discounting fees to vessels carrying cargo to the state and prioritizing vessels with donations for flood victims.