Brazilian Navy authorizes Suape to operate oil tankers at full capacity

The dredging of the outer channel at the Port of Suape has been officially approved by the Brazilian Navy, ensuring a depth of 20 meters. The publication of Ordinances No. 102/2025 and 103/2025 — available at https://shre.ink/ST9E — establishes the operational conditions for using the new channel and outlines the progressive operation period and assisted maneuvers. This milestone represents a strategic advance for the port complex, which now operates with greater draft capacity and efficiency.

The deepening positions Suape among the Brazilian ports with the greatest draft, enhancing its competitiveness and appeal to investors. With the Maritime Authority’s approval, Suape can now receive world-class vessels, such as the Suezmax — a tanker with a 17-meter draft and cargo capacity of 140,000 to 175,000 tons.

“This is a turning point for our port, which already leads the country in liquid bulk handling. Suape significantly improves navigability conditions, reduces waiting times for large vessels, and adds value to operations by allowing ships to dock safely at full load capacity,” highlighted the port complex’s CEO, Armando Monteiro Bisneto.

According to Bisneto, the elimination of operational restrictions and the entry of larger vessels are expected to increase the number of calls, the volume of cargo handled per docking, and the efficient use of existing infrastructure. “With the newly approved depth, Suape strengthens its appeal to port operators, industries, and logistics and naval investors, boosting revenue from waterway and landside infrastructure tariffs,” he added.

Before the approval, ships with a draft greater than 12.8 meters depended on specific tidal conditions to access the port. Now, vessels with drafts exceeding 15 meters can berth without restrictions, providing greater predictability, reducing idle maneuvers, and maximizing berthing windows.

The final stage of the outer channel dredging — which began on 1 December 2023 and concluded in April 2024 — cost R$140 million and removed 1.7 million cubic meters of sediment. Executed by Dutch company Van Oord, the project was completed one month ahead of schedule and without incidents, as noted by Suape’s Infrastructure Director, Renata Loyo.

INTERNAL CHANNEL

The project is part of the forthcoming dredging of the inner channel, which began on 29 August 2025. With an investment of R$217 million — R$100 million from the Ministry of Ports and Airports via PAC3, and R$117 million from the state government — the intervention aims to deepen the channel to 16.2 meters and remove 3.8 million cubic meters of sediment.

The contract also covers dredging of the turning basin and Liquid Bulk Piers 3A and 3B to a depth of 18.5 meters, consolidating Suape’s position as a national logistics and energy hub.

Source: Informativo dos Portos

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