Decree-Law No. 38/2018 creating the Maritime Port Institution (IMP).

This Decree-Law approves the Statute of the Maritime Port Institution (IMP). This Statute, consisting of 43 articles divided into seven Chapters, establishes composition, duties and responsibilities of the above mentioned Institute, entitled to implement and execute the Government's policy for the Maritime and Port Sector. In particular, its responsibilities are: Contribute to the definition of the national maritime and port policy and the overall strategy for the development of maritime transport and ports; Propose the definition of the areas of maritime and port jurisdiction; Give advice on the general principles of port planning plans, as well as ensuring the coordination of strategic planning of the maritime-port system; Comply with national and international maritime and port sector standards to safeguard human life at sea and the protection of the marine environment; Authorize the exercise of maritime activities according to technical and safety criteria; Monitor and supervise the activities of the international ship registry service; Establish and maintain infrastructures and equipment networks for communication, geo-positioning and traffic monitoring in the national maritime space; Study and propose legislative and regulatory measures related to the activities of shipowners, and support for the sustained development of sectoral activity; Contribute to the modernization and increase of productivity in the maritime and port sectors; Keep up-to-date the register of national port infrastructures; Develop studies on information systems and technologies; Carry out inspections on ships and their certification, to comply with applicable national and international standards; etc.