Renewal of the oil transport shipping fleet
One of the important measures adopted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) is the development and implementation of an instrument to encourage the renewal of Brazil’s maritime fleet for the coastal transport of oil and oil products. The plan foresees the construction of 16 medium-sized tankers in national shipyards.
The initiative stimulates investment and productivity in the sector, while also strengthening the competitiveness of Brazil’s industry in international markets. It is estimated that the program will generate an additional R$ 2.4 billion for the economy, along with R$ 824 million in indirect tax revenue, and has the potential to create 13,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The new incentives for the shipbuilding industry and the oil and gas sector are consolidated in Federal Government actions through Provisional Measure (MP) No. 1,255/2024, later incorporated into Law No. 15,075/2024, and regulated by the MME via Decree No. 12,242/2024, which establishes accelerated depreciation for tankers used in coastal transport of oil and oil products.
With this tax benefit, companies in the sector can deduct tanker acquisition and maintenance costs more quickly, making investments in this segment of the maritime fleet more attractive and boosting Brazil’s shipbuilding industry. In practice, the measure reduces the depreciation period from 20 years to only two years, making projects significantly more economically viable when carried out in Brazil.
This measure has proven essential for the development of the domestic shipbuilding industry dedicated to oil and oil product transport, a segment that had been losing ground internationally due to unfavorable tax conditions.
The decree also responds to a long-standing demand from the sector, as it promotes greater local content, reduces external dependence on imported tankers, and strengthens industrial and naval engineering expertise within Brazil. This ensures greater capacity for the renovation and maintenance of vessels operating in the country.
NUMBERS
R$ 2.4 billion added to the economy
R$ 824 million in indirect tax revenue
13,000 direct and indirect jobs estimated
DATES
08/26/2024 – Provisional Measure No. 1,255 issued
11/08/2024 – Decree No. 12,242 published
12/26/2024 – Law No. 15,075 sanctioned
09/16/2025 – Interministerial Ordinance MDIC/MME No. 139/2025
09/23/2025 – Prior qualification for 16 tankers.
