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Cabotage, a method of maritime transport carried out between ports on the same coast without significantly moving away from it, represents a strategic logistical alternative in Brazil. With benefits that include cost reduction and lower environmental impact compared to road transport, this modality is gaining prominence for its efficiency and potential for expansion, especially in a country with more than 8.000 km of coastline and a growing port infrastructure.
Cabotage, a maritime transport system that occurs along the coast without major diversions to the high seas, is a practice that has increasingly gained space in the Brazilian logistics sector. Originating from the term associated with the Italian navigator Sebastião Caboto, who explored the vicinity of the coast on his trips, cabotage today is stands out as an alternative more economically and environmentally sustainable to road transport.
This method not only benefits cargo traffic between national ports, but also between neighboring countries in South America, always remaining close to the coast. The practice also applies to navigation on rivers and lakes, representing a vital element for the economy and transport infrastructure of Brazil, a country that has a vast network of ports and waterways.
What is cabotage?
Cabotage is a type of maritime transport carried out between ports located on the same coast, or between nearby countries, without the ship moving significantly away from the coast. This method is often used to transport various loads, such as containers and bulk products, taking advantage of coastal routes to connect different points in a country or neighboring nations. A classic example of cabotage is the transport of goods between the Port of Santos, in São Paulo, and the Port of Suape, in Pernambuco, following the length of the Brazilian coast.
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Historically, the term “cabotage” comes from the name of the Italian navigator Sebastião Caboto, who specialized in exploring and mapping the coasts during his travels in the 16th century. In the Brazilian context, cabotage not only stands out for its efficiency over long distances, where the cost-benefit becomes more advantageous compared to road transport, but also because it is a more sustainable alternative. In addition to reducing traffic and pollution on highways, cabotage transport generates lower greenhouse gas emissions, in line with sustainability and resource saving practices.
Advantages of cabotage
Cabotage stands out mainly for the significant reduction in transport costs, especially on long-distance routes. The cost per ton transported is generally lower than road transport, which translates into significant savings for companies moving large volumes of goods.
Compared to road transport, cabotage emits fewer greenhouse gases per ton of cargo transported. This contributes to companies' sustainability strategies, helping to achieve carbon reduction goals.
The risk of cargo theft is lower in coastal maritime transport compared to highways, which represents a significant advantage in terms of safety and loss reduction. With fewer trucks on the roads, there is a reduction in congestion, less road wear, and a decrease in traffic. number of road accidents. Ships used in cabotage can transport much larger volumes in a single trip compared to trucks, which is ideal for transporting large quantities of products.
Companies that use cabotage in Brazil
Many Brazilian and multinational companies already recognize the advantages of cabotage and integrate it into their logistics chains, especially those that move large volumes of cargo along the extensive Brazilian coastline. Some of the main companies that use this modal include:
- Alliance Shipping and Logistics: part of the Hamburg Süd Group, this company is one of the leaders in the cabotage market in Brazil, offering regular services that connect the main Brazilian ports.
- Log-In Intermodal Logistics: this company offers integrated solutions that combine maritime, road and rail transport, with a strong presence in maritime transport along the Brazilian coast.
- Maersk Line: the largest shipping line in the world also offers cabotage services in Brazil, connecting Brazilian ports with its vast global network.
- Mercosur Line: focused on cabotage and part of the CMA CGM group, Mercosul Line is one of the main operators of this mode in South America, connecting Brazilian ports to others in Latin America.
And what are the disadvantages?
One of the main disadvantages of cabotage is the dependence on adequate port infrastructure, which is not always available. In Brazil, many ports still lack modern and efficient equipment for loading and unloading, in addition to facing management and logistics problems. This can delay operations and increase overhead costs.
Compared to road transport, cabotage often has longer transit times. This is due to the need to comply with fixed departure times for ships and the slower loading and unloading process at ports. This factor makes cabotage less ideal for products that require quick deliveries or have tight deadlines.
Cabotage is linked to ports and the itinerary of maritime routes, which reduces flexibility compared to road transport. Companies need to carefully plan their logistics to align with ship schedules and port locations, which may not be feasible for all operations.
Need for intermodal integration
Cabotage almost always requires integration with other modes of transport, such as railways or trucks, to transport cargo from origin to port and from port to final destination. This dependence can complicate logistics, increase costs and total transportation time.
Due to longer transit times and sometimes uncertain delivery times, companies may have to maintain larger inventories to avoid supply chain disruptions. This represents a significant additional cost, especially for companies operating with high-value products or fluctuating market demands.
Cabotage in Brazil can be affected by bureaucratic processes slow traffic at ports, including the release of cargo. Delays in release may result in additional storage costs and delays in final delivery of products.
