Federal Government Allocates R$147 Million for Final Phase of Suape Port Renovation

Brazilian President Lula and Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho endorsed the transfer of responsibilities for the execution of works at the Port of Suape, Recife, on Tuesday (2).

The document was signed in the capital of Pernambuco state during the launch of an improvement package for the Pernambuco people. The Federal Government has allocated approximately R$147 million to complete the fourth and final stage of the Suape jetty restoration and dredging of the port’s internal channel. The jetty acts as a safety barrier for quays and piers, where goods are loaded and unloaded.

Minister Silvio Costa Filho explained that investing in Suape means improving living conditions for the population and boosting the local economy. “The investments announced here today are fundamental for generating jobs and creating a larger income. These measures allow the expansion of activities in one of the top port complexes in the country, fostering development throughout the state of Pernambuco,” he highlighted.

During his speech, President Lula assured that similar investments would be made in all regions of the country. He also stated that this year, Brazil will reap the benefits of everything planted during the past year and a half. “This is the harvest year. Last year, we planted, weeded the land, fertilized it, planted the seeds, and this year, we will travel all over Brazil to announce the reaped benefits to the people who need to improve their lives,” he stated.

The chart below provides a historical overview of container exports at the Port of Suape measured in TEUs with data extending from January 2021 and May 2024. The data is from DataLiner.

Port of Suape Container Exports | Jan 2021 – May 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Investments and Improvements

Over R$610 million has been invested in the previous three stages. The final phase of the work has completed the bidding process and is set to begin next week. The services are scheduled to be completed in 2028. This work will increase vessel safety and facilitate traffic and navigation throughout the coastal part of the port.

Dredging the internal channel will increase its depth to 16.2 meters, enabling the docking of container ships up to 366 meters in length, as well as other large vessels.

The improvements will significantly increase the volume of cargo handled, positioning the port as the country’s largest hub for containerized cargo transportation. Aside from expanding the range of operations in the port complex, the investment will help improve efficiency and safety, increasing the port’s competitiveness. This year, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), will add R$100 million to the project.

Port Throughput

In the first four months of the year, throughput at the Suape port complex grew by 0.48% compared to the same period last year. The traffic of containerized cargo had the largest growth, with a 24.41% increase between January and April 2024. The Suape port complex, the sixth largest public port in the country, is investing in infrastructure and technology to continue expanding its activities. Its strategic location and increased diversification of cargo operations make the port a crucial asset for Pernambuco’s commercial expansion.

Currently, the Suape Port Industrial Complex hosts 83 operating companies across 12 industrial hubs, generating around 20,000 jobs.

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