{"id":4414,"date":"2026-04-29T08:28:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T09:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/?p=4414"},"modified":"2026-04-28T19:55:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T20:55:25","slug":"the-maritime-market-licensing-for-logistics-and-port-operations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/o-mercado-maritimo-licenciamento-para-exploracao-logistica-e-portuaria\/","title":{"rendered":"The Maritime Market: Licensing for Logistics and Port Operations"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cape Verde: The Atlantic Logistics Hub<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Situated in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, 600 km off the coast of West Africa and 900 km from the Canary Islands, Cape Verde stands out as <strong>strategic maritime transhipment and logistics hub<\/strong> across Europe, Africa and the Americas. With a <strong>maritime area under national jurisdiction covering 800,000 km\u00b2<\/strong> (one of the region\u2019s largest Exclusive Economic Zones \u2013 EEZs) and modernised ports on all the islands, the country offers significant opportunities for companies in the logistics, shipping, industrial fishing and port services sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.subconcession.enapor.cv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/BO-n-44_-Decreto-Legislativo-14_2010_-Codigo-Maritimo-de-Cabo-Verde.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Maritime Code of Cape Verde (Act passed in 2023)<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"file:\/\/\/C:\/Users\/User\/Downloads\/BO_07-04-2021_36.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"file:\/\/\/C:\/Users\/User\/Downloads\/BO_07-04-2021_36.pdf\">General Legal Framework for Port Jurisdiction Zones (Legislative Decree No. 1\/2021)<\/a>)<\/strong> They establish a modern regulatory framework, in line with international conventions, which governs everything from navigation and maritime safety to port-related economic activities, including ship agency services, freight forwarding and logistics operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The 2023 Maritime Code: The New Regulatory Framework<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Approved by the National Assembly in February 2023 and enacted in April of the same year, the <strong>Maritime Code<\/strong> repeals previous legislation and consolidates rules relating to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National maritime zones:<\/strong> Territorial waters (12 miles), archipelagic waters, exclusive economic zone (200 miles) and continental shelf;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maritime navigation:<\/strong> Rules on innocent passage, safety of navigation, protection of the marine environment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maritime transport:<\/strong> Transport contracts, liability of the parties, compulsory insurance;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Port operations:<\/strong> Port operations, nautical services, shipping agents, freight forwarders;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fisheries and marine resources:<\/strong> Licensing of fishing activities and marine scientific research;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Safety and security:<\/strong> Combating piracy, protecting port facilities, coastguard operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For investors in the logistics and port sector, the Code sets out clear rules on market access, compulsory licensing and regulatory mechanisms, thereby creating a predictable and secure environment for private investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Port Activities Requiring a Licence: Three Areas of Opportunity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Shipping Agent (Shipping Agency)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>O <strong>shipping agent<\/strong> is the mandatory intermediary between the shipowner (owner of the vessel) and the Cape Verdean port authorities. According to Article 340 of the Maritime Code, the agent is responsible for \u201cthe practical and legal arrangements necessary for the clearance and other obligations of ships in port\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mandatory:<\/strong> All foreign ships must have a shipping agent in national ports, except for pleasure craft, which may be represented by the owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Licensing Requirements (Article 342):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Incorporation as a commercial company with the sole corporate purpose of acting as a shipping agency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Registration with the Register of Shipping Agents (a service provided by the maritime administration)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obtaining a shipping agent\u2019s licence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Head office or permanent branch in the port where it operates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proven financial and technical capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Market opportunity:<\/strong> With the increase in container traffic and tourist cruise traffic (more than 100,000 passengers a year), demand for professional shipping agency services is growing steadily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Freight forwarder<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>O <strong>freight forwarder<\/strong> It is the logistics operator that organises the international transport of goods, coordinating different modes of transport (sea, air, road) and handling customs formalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Duties of the freight forwarder (Article 355):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arranging transport and storage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport insurance management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preparation of transport documentation (bills of lading, air waybills)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Handling of customs formalities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International trade consultancy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Licensing Requirements (Article 360):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Licence granted by the national maritime authority<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incorporation as a commercial company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Minimum share capital: 5,000,000$00 (five million escudos, approx. \u20ac45,000)<\/strong>, carried out in full<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial, technical and professional capacity requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suitability of partners and managers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important note:<\/strong> When the freight forwarder undertakes the transport itself (either by subcontracting or using its own resources), it acquires the legal status of <strong>carrier<\/strong>, reporting directly to the client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Port and Terminal Operator<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.enapor.cv\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.enapor.cv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">ENAPOR (National Ports Administration Company, S.A.)<\/a><\/strong> It has been the general concessionaire for Cape Verde\u2019s ports since 2016, carrying out administrative, management and operational functions. However, the Ports Act allows specific terminals to be granted under concession to private operators:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Container terminals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>General cargo terminals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cruise and passenger facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fuel and liquid product terminals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fishing facilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Requirements:<\/strong> Private port operators must enter into concession agreements or operating licences with ENAPOR, whilst complying with the safety, environmental and maritime security standards laid down by the Maritime Code and the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Maritime Special Economic Zones: Investment Opportunities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>ZEEMSV (S\u00e3o Vicente Special Economic Zone for the Maritime Economy)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Created by <strong>L<a href=\"https:\/\/faolex.fao.org\/docs\/pdf\/cvi226121.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Decree No. 63\/2019<\/a><\/strong>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/azeemsv.cv\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/azeemsv.cv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">ZEEMSV<\/a> It is the flagship project of Cape Verde\u2019s maritime sector, with a total budget of <strong>2 billion dollars<\/strong> and a 15-year implementation period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Areas of development:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Port development:<\/strong> Expansion of the Port of Mindelo into a regional logistics hub<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fisheries and aquaculture:<\/strong> Fish processing, offshore aquaculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ship repair and shipbuilding:<\/strong> Boat maintenance yards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maritime tourism:<\/strong> Large marina, recreational boating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Offshore renewable energy:<\/strong> Offshore wind power, green hydrogen<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tax benefits for investors:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reduced IRC:<\/strong> 2.5% to 5% (depending on the volume of investment and employment)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tax exemption on dividends and interest<\/strong> for foreign shareholders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exemption from customs duties<\/strong> on equipment and capital goods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conflict resolution:<\/strong> International arbitration available (ICSID, International Chamber of Commerce, Paris)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Minimum investment:<\/strong> 275 million escudos (approx. 2.5 million euros) to qualify for the maximum incentives, although smaller projects may be approved by a Resolution of the Council of Ministers if they are deemed \u201cimportant for implementation\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ZEEIM (Maio Island Special Economic Zone)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although focused on tourism, the ZEEIM incorporates significant maritime elements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Marina and yacht harbour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diving and underwater activities centre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced corporation tax rate: 2.5% to 5%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One-Stop Investor Service to streamline licensing procedures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Practical Procedures: How to Obtain <\/strong>Licences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Incorporation of the Company<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set up a commercial company (Lda. or SA) via the Citizen\u2019s Bureau or the Commercial Registry Office<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obtaining a tax identification number (NIF) from the DGCI<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specify the specific corporate purpose (shipping agency, freight forwarder, port operator)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Application to the Maritime Administration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Submit an application to the Directorate-General for Maritime Administration (or its delegated body)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit the following documents: articles of association, certificate of incorporation, proof of share capital, certificate confirming no tax arrears, CVs of the partners\/managers, business plan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Specific Licensing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shipping Agent:<\/strong> Registration with the Register of Shipping Agents + Shipping Agent\u2019s Licence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Freight forwarder:<\/strong> Freight Forwarder\u2019s Licence (requires a minimum share capital of 5 million escudos)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Port Operator:<\/strong> Concession or operating licence agreement with ENAPOR<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: Additional Records<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Registration with the Chamber of Commerce (Business Licence)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Registration with Social Security (INSS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental licensing (where applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legal Obligations and Responsibilities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shipping agents and freight forwarders must comply <\/strong><strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To maintain professional confidentiality regarding facts learned in the course of one\u2019s work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refrain from unfair competition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborate with public services (Customs, port authorities, civil protection)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To ensure that the interests entrusted to us by our clients are safeguarded<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take out professional indemnity insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Civil liability for damage caused in the course of business (claims for compensation are subject to a limitation period of 9 months)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Licensing Deadlines:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The maritime authority must decide on licence applications within the statutory time limit (usually 30\u201360 days)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-authorisation for scientific research requires an application to be submitted three months in advance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How S&amp;D Consultancy Facilitates Access to the Maritime Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Operations in the maritime and port sector require coordination between a number of bodies (the Maritime Administration, ENAPOR, Customs, Harbour Master\u2019s Offices and environmental authorities). The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3877\">S&amp;D Consultancy<\/a><\/strong> offers integrated services:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Corporate Structure and Licensing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Incorporation of a company with an appropriate corporate purpose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preparation of applications for shipping agent and freight forwarder licences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitoring the licensing process with the maritime authorities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Feasibility Analysis of Projects in the ZEEMSV<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eligibility assessment for the Special Economic Zone for the Maritime Economy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax structuring to maximise benefits (Corporate Tax at 2.5%, customs exemptions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preparation of business plans for submission to the ZEEMSV authorities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Compliance and Operational Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Implementation of mandatory document management systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preparing for maritime administration audits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sector-specific accounting and tax management (international invoicing, insurance, freight)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Institutional Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Liaison with ENAPOR regarding concession contracts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coordination with Port Authorities regarding authorisations for ships to enter port<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Processing of environmental licences for port activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion: The Ocean as an Opportunity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cape Verde is establishing itself as <a href=\"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/a-zona-franca-de-cabo-verde-beneficios-fiscais-para-empresas-exportadoras\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/a-zona-franca-de-cabo-verde-beneficios-fiscais-para-empresas-exportadoras\/\"><strong>maritime and logistics hub for the Mid-Atlantic<\/strong>,<\/a> with significant investment in port infrastructure, the development of the EEZ and the modernisation of the legal framework. The new Maritime Code (2023) and the Special Economic Zones (ZEEMSV, ZEEIM) create an attractive ecosystem for domestic and foreign investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For companies in the logistics, maritime transport, industrial fishing or port services sectors, the market offers potential for sustained growth, bolstered by its strategic location, frequent air links (Sal hub), and preferential access to the EU (GSP+), US (AGOA) and ECOWAS markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>S&amp;D Consultoria supports investors from the incorporation of the company right through to full operationalisation in the maritime sector, ensuring full compliance with the Maritime Code, licensing with the Maritime Authority and tax optimisation through the special schemes available.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/contacto\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Request a maritime project assessment \u2192<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Official Documentation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/faolex.fao.org\/docs\/pdf\/cvi196016.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Law No. 63\/2019 (ZEEMSV)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.isa.org.jm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/bo_05-05-2023_50_Codigo_Maritimo.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maritime Code of Cape Verde (Act passed in 2023)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/faolex.fao.org\/docs\/pdf\/cvi218126.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Regulatory Decree No. 6\/2023 (Legal Framework for Port Zones)<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cabo Verde: A Plataforma Log\u00edstica do Atl\u00e2ntico Localizado no cora\u00e7\u00e3o do Oceano Atl\u00e2ntico, a 600 km da costa da \u00c1frica Ocidental e a 900 km das Can\u00e1rias, Cabo Verde posiciona-se como plataforma estrat\u00e9gica de transbordo e log\u00edstica mar\u00edtima entre a Europa, \u00c1frica e Am\u00e9ricas. Com um espa\u00e7o mar\u00edtimo sob jurisdi\u00e7\u00e3o nacional de 800 mil km\u00b2 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4466,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_breakdance_hide_in_design_set":false,"_breakdance_tags":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4414","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4414","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4414"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4414\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4467,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4414\/revisions\/4467"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4466"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4414"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4414"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4414"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}