Effects of government regulation in a port in Southern Brazil

This article aims to analyze the effects of government regulation from the experience of the Port of Imbituba, located in the southern region of Brazil. Methodologically, it is a descriptive and exploratory research, adopting the strategy of a case study, with literature review, documentary survey and field research. For the data collection in the field, we conducted in-depth interviews out with the agents that have a relationship with the Port of Imbituba. The data were analyzed and discussed, using an essentially qualitative approach. We find that with Law no. 8.630/93, port capitalization, port modernization, leases for private enterprise and availability of tax incentives to increase were made possible. On the other hand, the regulations of the 1990s failed to delegate responsibilities to the Port Authority. With the new Ports Act no. 12.815/2013, positive aspects arise with the attempt to promote a national logistic development plan in Brazil, expansion of the possibilities of capital contribution, participation of the private sector and the development of the Master Plan for the ports. Among the implications of the new standard, we still need to understand the new modeling and the new concepts brought by it, regional specificities and historical problems of training and professionalization.