Cabotage: History and Overview in Brazil

Cabotage refers to maritime navigation between ports located within the same country. It differs from deep‑sea shipping, which connects ports in different nations.

For Brazil — a country with nearly 8,000 kilometers of coastline — this mode of transport represents a natural highway that is being rediscovered as a strategic pillar of the national logistics system.

The Origin of Cabotage

The concept of cabotage dates to the earliest maritime explorations, when navigators sailed along coastlines and rivers within the same territory.
This practice enabled commercial exchange and the movement of goods in regions where land routes were nonexistent or unreliable.

In Brazil, the term became associated with Sebastião Caboto, a 16th‑century Venetian navigator who sailed along the Brazilian coast and explored the Río de la Plata in search of the mythical “Silver Mountains.” His voyages helped reinforce the idea of coastal and inland navigation.

Historically, cabotage has been essential for countries with extensive coastlines, offering an efficient and secure alternative for transporting goods.

Cabotage in Brazil: An Overview

Brazil’s continental dimensions and long coastline make cabotage a natural solution for cargo transportation.

In recent years, cabotage has grown rapidly. Although the pandemic temporarily slowed this expansion, the upward trend has resumed.

Over the past decade, around 20 vessels have been acquired and registered under the Brazilian flag, representing investments of approximately R$3.5 billion. These state‑of‑the‑art ships are comparable to the best in the world and capable of delivering highly sophisticated services.

Today, Brazil has a fleet of more than 70 Brazilian‑flag vessels, generating jobs and tax revenue while ensuring that national shipping companies remain active regardless of fluctuations in the international market.

In 2024, approximately 1.5 million TEUs were transported along the Brazilian coast — the equivalent of more than 1 million truck trips that did not need to be made.
If placed bumper‑to‑bumper, these trucks would stretch 15,000 kilometers, or five lines of trucks from São Paulo to Fortaleza.

Only from 2024 to 2025 cabotage in Brazil grew by 23%.

Benefits of Cabotage

Cabotage plays a crucial role in Brazil’s logistics landscape and offers a wide range of practical and strategic advantages.

Cost Reduction

Maritime cabotage provides competitive costs, especially over long distances or for large cargo volumes. Transporting large quantities at once reduces unit costs and decreases reliance on multiple road shipments. By using the country’s natural “highway” — its 8,000‑kilometer coastline — Brazil also reduces spending on highway maintenance.

Lower Environmental Impact

One of cabotage’s greatest advantages is its sustainability.
Maritime transport emits four times less CO₂ per ton transported compared to other modes, supporting companies’ ESG goals and reducing the national carbon footprint.

Safety and Reliability

Cabotage is known for its safety and delivery reliability.
Low rates of theft and accidents reduce insurance costs and cargo losses.
Delivery punctuality — above 90% over the last three years — ensures a more predictable and efficient flow of logistics.

Versatility and Flexibility

Cabotage can transport a wide variety of goods: from helicopters to televisions, wind turbine blades to biofuels, and from minerals and grains to clothing.

For bulk cargo and special projects, transportation is customized to ensure efficiency and safety for loads requiring special handling.

Multimodal Solutions

Cabotage integrates seamlessly with other modes of transport, enabling efficient door‑to‑door multimodal logistics.
Shipping companies can manage the entire logistics chain, handle bureaucracy and ensuring delivery within the agreed timeframe.

Challenges and Opportunities for Expansion

Despite its benefits and recent growth, cabotage in Brazil still faces challenges that must be addressed to unlock its full potential.

A key challenge is route frequency and the concentration of cargo in certain ports. Increasing service regularity and expanding route coverage are essential to make the mode even more attractive.

Another important factor is the need for adequate port infrastructure and simplified bureaucratic processes. Investments in efficient terminals and digitalized documentation can accelerate operations and reduce costs.

These challenges, however, also represent major opportunities.
Growing demand for sustainable logistics and the need to shift cargo from road to maritime transport create space for new investments and innovation.

Multimodal integration is one of the greatest opportunities, positioning cabotage as the central link in complex logistics chains that connect railways and highways.

Door‑to‑door solutions, with complete logistics planning and reduced bureaucracy, offer significant advantages for companies seeking efficiency.

Strengthening Cabotage for an Efficient National Transport System

Cabotage is more than a logistical alternative — it is a strategic solution for the future of cargo transportation in Brazil.

It combines efficiency, safety, reliability, and lower environmental impact, aligning perfectly with the demands of an increasingly conscious and competitive global market.

For companies seeking to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and ensure cargo integrity, cabotage is a powerful solution.

By strengthening this mode, Brazil can build a more balanced, resilient, and environmentally friendly transport system, easing pressure on highways and maximizing the potential of its vast navigable coastline.

ABAC (Brazilian Association of Cabotage Shipowners) is committed to promoting the development of this transformative mode of transport and raising awareness of its benefits.

We invite you to learn more about cabotage and how it can support your company’s journey toward a more efficient and sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between cabotage and international shipping?

Cabotage refers to navigation between ports within the same country, with all stages occurring within national borders.
International maritime transport connects ports in different countries and follows global agreements with more complex customs and tax regulations.

Cabotage is generally more competitive for domestic operations, while international shipping serves global trade.

What are the main cabotage routes in Brazil?

The main routes connect major production and consumption centers along the Brazilian coast, with the highest traffic in the South, Southeast, and Northeast regions.
Key Ports include Santos, Paranaguá, Rio Grande, Salvador, Suape, and Pecém.

Who can operate in Brazilian cabotage?

Brazilian legislation reserves cabotage primarily for Brazilian Shipping Companies (EBNs) registered with ANTAQ, using vessels flying the Brazilian flag and crews that are predominantly Brazilian.

Foreign vessels may be chartered without crew (bareboat charter) when suitable Brazilian vessels are not available, subject to authorization.

What types of cargo are transported by cabotage?

Cabotage is highly versatile and can transport a wide range of cargo across multiple economic sectors, including:

• Containers (general cargo, manufactured goods, consumer products)
• Solid bulk (ore, grains, fertilizers)
• Liquid bulk (oil and derivatives, ethanol)
• General/breakbulk cargo (steel products, machinery, vehicles)
• Project cargo (oversized and heavy loads)