The government said it was important to take into account the state’s responsibility in implementing measures that ensure the safety of people and goods and the competitiveness of the domestic maritime sector.

The regime foresees that ship-owners may hire private security companies using arms and ammunition suitable for the protection of ships.

There is also the possibility of ship-owners hiring domestic or foreign companies to provide this service, "in certain circumstances".

On the other hand, the use of armed self-protection by ship-owners or any other private entity "using the ship as a means of transport" is prohibited.

On 18 October, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, approved the law creating this regime.

The Ministry of the Sea stressed that the decree "meets needs that have long been identified by the sector".