Current situation of VTS systems in Brazil and challenges for its implementation

Brazilian ports handled last year more than 90% of the country's exports, implying the country's need to have efficient ports. Despite the port sector importance, currently in Brazil only two Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) systems are operating. Brazilian government recently developed a set of actions to reduce operating costs and increase the efficiency of its ports, however, these actions ended up not having the expected success, including unsuccessful implantation of VTS in 14 ports. This paper presents current situation, legal framework and difficulties faced to implement these systems in Brazil, as well as try to indicate possible alternatives and measures that soon can permit the country port system to rely on VTS systems, placing its ports at a similar level as other countries that have better port infrastructure and can count with such systems to improve safety and efficiency of their ports and also help protect their marine environment.