Port of Fortaleza targets record year on strong wheat, fuel and cruise traffic

The Port of Fortaleza handled 2.59 million metric tons of cargo in the first half of 2026, up 10.06% from the same period last year and 6.87% above the target set by Companhia Docas do Ceará (CDC), the federal state-owned company that manages the port.

At the same time, CDC expects cruise ship calls to rise 70% during the 2026/2027 season, from five to nine vessels between October and April, bringing an estimated 14,000 passengers to the northeastern Brazilian city.

“The projected increase of approximately 70% in ship calls demonstrates the recovery of the market and Fortaleza’s growing strength as a cruise destination,” CDC Chief Executive Quintino Vieira said in an interview with Movimento Econômico.

Passenger terminal completes R$6 million upgrade

The passenger terminal, operated by concessionaire ABA Infra under a lease agreement, has completed a R$6 million upgrade to its road access.

Vieira said the project was designed to improve safety, traffic flow and comfort, while enhancing the experience of passengers, tourists, event organizers and logistics operators.

CDC is also replacing lighting across the port with LED fixtures and expanding its video surveillance system.

Although the terminal was designed as a multipurpose facility capable of hosting corporate, cultural and institutional events, Vieira said its primary role remains serving cruise ships during the season, which traditionally runs from October through April.

Asked what continues to limit the arrival of more cruise vessels in Fortaleza, Vieira pointed to the city’s competitiveness as a destination rather than shortcomings in port infrastructure.

“The main challenge is to make Fortaleza more competitive as a cruise destination in both the domestic and international markets,” he said.

The Port of Fortaleza already has the operational capacity and marine access needed to receive large cruise ships, he added. The main constraints are therefore tourism appeal, operating costs and integration with other ports included in cruise itineraries.

Wheat, fuels and containers drive cargo growth

Growth was spread across nearly all cargo categories in the first half.

General cargo rose 30.14%, led by equipment for the wind energy industry, including turbine blades and machinery. Containerized cargo increased 14.57%, liquid bulk rose 7.63%, agricultural dry bulk advanced 9.93% and mineral dry bulk grew 1.40%.

Mineral bulk cargo also reached a record monthly volume in May 2026.

CDC has set a full-year throughput target of 5.08 million metric tons for 2026, up 2.51% from 2025.

“The results achieved so far are 6.87% above the target, demonstrating the strengthening of the Port of Fortaleza’s competitiveness and operational capacity,” Vieira said.

Liquid bulk cargo, including diesel, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas and jet fuel, accounted for 48.4% of total first-half throughput.

Dry bulk represented 36.3%, divided between agricultural commodities, at 21.6%, led by wheat, and minerals, at 14.7%.

Wheat is one of the port’s most important cargoes.

“The Port of Fortaleza handles around 1.2 million metric tons of wheat a year and is currently Brazil’s leading port for the commodity, ahead of ports such as Santos,” Vieira said.

He attributed the performance to three large flour mills located within the port area.

Most of the wheat arrives from Argentina through the ports of Rosario, San Lorenzo and San Pedro. Petroleum coke is imported from the United States and Colombia, while fuels come mainly from Mexico and the Caribbean.

Fresh fruit shipped to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and other European markets leads the port’s export mix.

Vieira also highlighted a new coastal shipping service launched in April by CMA CGM in partnership with Mercosul Line. He said the route, together with record mineral bulk volumes, should help sustain growth during the second half of the year.

New terminals and wider access channels

CDC’s five-year expansion plan includes leasing three new terminals.

MUC 03 and MUC 05 will be dedicated to mineral dry bulk, while MUC 04 will handle containers and general cargo.

At the same time, marine access studies carried out by the University of São Paulo’s Foundation for Technological Development and Engineering led to the expansion of the West Channel and the identification of a new natural route known as the North-South Channel, with depths of up to 12 meters.

Both channels are undergoing nautical chart updates with the Brazilian Navy.

“The reassessment of the West Channel allowed the port to increase its operational draft from 8 meters to 11.75 meters, regardless of tidal conditions,” Vieira said. “This enables larger vessels to berth and increases the port’s cargo-handling capacity.”

The new navigation markers will also widen the channel from 160 meters to 220 meters.

“In a second phase, the complex will have two access channels, strengthening its logistics competitiveness and creating better conditions for further operational growth,” Vieira said.

He acknowledged, however, that the port faces physical constraints because of its location within the city.

“The Port of Fortaleza is an urban port, which naturally limits its physical expansion,” Vieira said. “Our growth strategy is therefore based on making better use of existing infrastructure, modernizing operations and attracting private investment.”

Fortaleza and Pecém seen as complementary ports

Vieira rejected the idea that the Port of Fortaleza competes directly with the nearby Port and Industrial Complex of Pecém, historically the main focus of port investment in Ceará state.

“The Port of Fortaleza and the Pecém Complex play complementary roles in Ceará’s logistics network, with distinct and strategically important functions for the state’s development,” he said.

Pecém is primarily geared toward large industrial projects, production chains and high-volume operations, while Fortaleza is strengthening its role as an urban port supported by its location in the state capital.

“This complementarity strengthens Ceará’s logistics infrastructure, improves the state’s competitiveness and provides a wider range of solutions for industry,” Vieira said.

Source: Movimento Econômico

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