Deeper Channels at the Port of Suape Expand Capacity for Larger Ships

Brazil’s Navy has approved new depths at the Suape Industrial Port Complex, creating conditions for container ships up to 366 meters long to make greater use of their cargo capacity. The deeper channels at the Port of Suape are already in effect for the inner channel, turning basin and Liquid Bulk Piers 3A and 3B under Ordinance No. 190/2026.

The approval marks another step in the port’s operational expansion. Allowing these vessels to take greater advantage of their cargo capacity now depends only on the completion of a maneuverability study, scheduled for later in 2026. The initiative is intended to strengthen navigational safety, operational efficiency and Suape’s competitiveness in attracting new international shipping services.

With a depth of 16.25 meters in the inner channel and 18.39 meters in the turning basin and at Liquid Bulk Piers 3A and 3B, Suape now has improved conditions for handling larger vessels. The approval followed a technical process involving hydrographic surveys, analysis of navigability conditions and updates to safety parameters by the Maritime Authority after dredging work was completed in 2026.

“We are turning infrastructure investment into effective operating capacity. The new depth of the inner channel allows vessels to operate under better loading conditions, increases safety and efficiency, and strengthens our ability to attract new shipping services,” said Suape CEO Armando Monteiro Bisneto.

José Constantino, director of Port Development and Management, said the change will also benefit vessel scheduling and performance.

“We now have better depth conditions to make greater use of vessels’ cargo capacity. Once the maneuverability study is completed, we will be able to move forward in using this potential, always observing navigational safety parameters. The deepening of the turning basin and the piers also represents progress for liquid bulk operations,” he said.

Suape already receives container ships up to 366 meters long, including New Panamax-class vessels. With the newly approved depths and the future completion of the maneuverability study, these ships will be able to make better use of their cargo capacity with fewer draft restrictions, subject to the safety parameters established by the Maritime Authority.

The operational gain could also help attract new long-haul services and direct connections with international markets, strengthening Suape’s competitiveness on foreign trade routes.

Investment Behind Deeper Channels at the Port of Suape

The new configuration is the result of dredging of the inner channel, turning basin and Liquid Bulk Piers, completed in January this year. The project received R$247 million in investment, including R$100 million from the Ministry of Ports and Airports through the Novo PAC infrastructure program and R$147 million from Suape’s own funds.

Approximately 4.18 million cubic meters of sediment were removed during the work.

Suape Infrastructure Director Renata Loyo highlighted the technical work involved in the project.

“The dredging required strict control over the stages of execution, hydrographic surveys and the port’s operating conditions. The result was the delivery of the inner channel, turning basin and piers at the depths established in the project, creating the technical basis required for approval by the Maritime Authority,” she said.

Deep-Water Operations

Suape’s outer channel already has a depth of 20 meters approved by the Brazilian Navy, allowing large vessels such as Suezmax-class tankers to navigate the port. That depth was achieved following dredging completed in 2024 with an investment of R$140 million and was officially approved in 2025.

With both its outer and inner channels deepened, Suape is consolidating its position as a deep-water port, a strategic advantage for increasing cargo throughput, strengthening coastal and long-haul shipping operations, and attracting new business opportunities to Pernambuco.

Source: Suape Industrial Port Complex

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