Decree-Law No. 27/2018 approving the structure, organization and operation of the Ministry of Maritime Economy (MEM).

This Decree-Law, consisting of 31 articles divided into three Chapters, approves the structure, organization and operation of the Ministry of Maritime Economy (MEM). It establishes composition, duties and responsibilities of MEM, which is a government department, whose mission is to design, propose, coordinate, execute and evaluate governmental public policies in the areas of maritime policy, economy and the sea industry, marine resources, fisheries, aquaculture, harbours and maritime transport. In particular, MEM is aims to: a) define, formulate and implement policy guidelines for the economic development of the sea with a view to the sustainable exploitation of marine resources; b) define formulating and implementing guidelines on maritime transport, aiming at safety, efficiency, quality and sustainability in the services provided; c) promote the development of research, preservation and enhancement of marine resources; d) design, implement and evaluate policy strategies and measures aimed at the articulated and sustainable development of marine resources, promoting and prioritizing private initiative; e) regulate and control, in coordination with other competent bodies, the activities of public and private operators in the maritime-port area, and the sustainable development of marine resources; f) ensure conditions allowing to satisfy the demand and the provision of services in the sector; g) direct programmes of procedures and contracts of concession, and licensing of the administration, operation and port services, maritime transport and private use of the coastal zone; etc.