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Shortage of seafarers and poor training challenge cabotage in the logistics and maritime ecosystem, impacting its resilience and growth.
Cabotage has played a vital role in coastal shipping, connecting ports along the coast and boosting maritime transport. This type of transport, which is mainly carried out by barges, is rapidly expanding due to its efficiency and sustainability. Barges are particularly suitable for bulky and low-value-added cargo, characteristics that make them ideal for this mode of transport. Since 2015, there has been significant investment in the sector, with the aim of modernizing the fleet and expanding routes. covered by cabotage.
As interest in this mode grows, new challenges emerge in the training of Merchant Navy officers. Providing the right professionals with the right skills is essential to ensure that cabotage continues to play its crucial role in national logistics. In 2020, the Brazilian government launched initiatives to increase the number of places in maritime academies, with a focus on improving the resilience of the sector: Sector Resilience. These efforts aim to offset the current shortage of qualified crew, which threatens to set back the progress and robust growth seen in recent years.
The Post-2020 Transformation in Brazilian Cabotage
Since 2021, Brazilian cabotage has benefited from tax incentive and infrastructure policies that have boosted the modality. These actions have helped to expand port capacity and optimize logistics operations. Studies by the Ministry of Transport show that the measures implemented through 2022 have already led to a reduction in operating costs, making cabotage an increasingly attractive alternative to other modes of transport.
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In the context of trade relations, cabotage has become essential for the distribution of agricultural and industrial products, having a direct impact on the national economy. The 2020 pandemic highlighted the need for more flexible and safer means of transport, and cabotage has proven to be an effective response to this growing demand for logistical resilience. In 2022, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) recorded a 15% increase in volumes transported by inland sea routes, consolidating this modality as one of the big winners in the post-crisis economic recovery.
In the future, cabotage is expected to continue to expand, with forecasts of an increase in the number of routes and operational efficiency. Its ability to combine sustainable development with economic growth makes it not only a current trend, but a fundamental pillar for
the Brazilian economy.
Cabotage in Expansion: Challenges and Projections
In 2024, the cabotage sector handled a remarkable 1,5 million TEUs, according to data provided by the Brazilian Association of Cabotage Shipowners (ABAC). This represents an increase of 19,8% compared to the previous year, demonstrating substantial growth. Since 2008, the volume transported by this maritime mode has practically doubled, highlighting the relevance of cabotage. This advance is a reflection not only of sector resilience, but also from ongoing efforts to modernize the fleet and meet the growing demand for sustainable logistics solutions. However, the accelerated growth of cabotage faces significant structural challenges, especially with regard to the training and availability of skilled labor, which are crucial for the advancement of barge transport and coastal navigation.
Training and Challenges in the Merchant Navy
Currently, the training of Merchant Navy officers is concentrated in two main institutions: the Almirante Graça Aranha Training Center (CIAGA), located in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), and the Almirante Braz de Aguiar Training Center (CIABA), in Belém (PA). Together, these schools are able to train just under 300 new officers annually, according to the number of vacancies available for 2024, which is still insufficient to meet the growing demand in the segment. A study carried out by the Vanzolini Foundation, in partnership with the Center for Innovation in Logistics and Port Infrastructure at USP (CILIP), projects that around 4 professionals will be needed by 2030 to meet the current demand.
Resilience and Need for Reformulation
The shortage of qualified labor in cabotage is not only quantitative, but also qualitative. The current training model is out of step with modern operational requirements. Despite offering a solid technical foundation, there is still a lack of content that addresses management, leadership, organizational safety, understanding of the business and the use of technologies in onboard routine. This educational gap forces professionals to seek additional training, often through MBAs, specializations or corporate programs, creating a competitive environment where only the best prepared stand out.
Turnover in the Sector: A Chronic Challenge
The high turnover of crew members in the cabotage sector is another critical challenge, since the turnover rate reaches around 20% per year. In practical terms, this means that for every five crew members, one is replaced annually. This factor compromises operational predictability and represents constant challenges for the people management on board. Competition from the offshore sector, especially in the oil and gas industry, which offers more attractive salaries and desirable work schedules, often attracts professionals, creating gaps in the coastal shipping sector. This movement has significant impacts.
Impact on Management and Operationality
Each crew member’s dismissal not only entails administrative and operational costs, but also demands careful logistical replanning. In more critical scenarios, it can even result in the temporary suspension of routes due to a lack of qualified crew. Furthermore, frequent turnover in teams hinders the development of interpersonal bonds and the consolidation of collaborative practices, essential elements for good performance on board. Cabotage companies often need to restart the process of integrating new professionals, causing an overload for onboard leaders and making it difficult to establish a solid organizational culture.
Ways to Overcome Obstacles
In a highly complex and technical environment such as the logistics and maritime ecosystem, turnover impacts operational risks, loss of efficiency and, ultimately, reduced competitiveness in the sector. Reversing this scenario requires structural actions and coordinated collaboration between the various players in this ecosystem. At the institutional level, it is crucial to consider the accreditation of new training entities, with adequate technical supervision, to expand the offer of courses and modernize teaching methodologies. In addition, reviewing certification criteria, even on an emergency basis, can help mitigate the effects of the labor shortage.
Perspectives for Sustainable Cabotage
Coastal shipping companies can play a leading role in retaining and valuing their professionals by investing in internal development programs, transparent career plans, structured performance evaluations and ensuring favorable working conditions in the maritime sector. In a highly competitive market, the organizational environment can be as decisive as remuneration. It is vital to consider that most maritime professionals are proud of their careers, and preserving this sense of belonging, in addition to projecting a promising future for new entrants, requires clear policies and a collective effort.
Cabotage has the potential to grow sustainably, but its progress will depend, to a large extent, on the sector's ability to train, attract and retain professionals who will ensure the continuity and efficiency of operations in the coming years.
Source: © rafaela.araujo@epr.com.br
