Port of Maceió Sets Cargo Growth Record and Prepares for Autonomous Administration

Port activity in Alagoas continues to grow. In the first four months of 2025 alone, the Port of Maceió handled 1.3 million tonnes of cargo, according to Brazil’s National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq). This represents a 6.55% increase compared to the same period last year, driven mainly by sugar, salt, caustic soda, and fertilizers — commodities that account for the majority of the port’s traffic in the state.

This growth highlights the Port of Maceió’s potential to meet regional economic demands. It reinforces the direction set in January when the House of Representatives approved Bill 3034/24, reported by Alagoas congressman Daniel Barbosa. The legislation authorizes the creation of the Companhia Docas de Alagoas, which will manage the port independently to increase efficiency and grant more autonomy to port administration.

With this change, the Port of Maceió will be operated by a dedicated company linked to the Ministry of Ports and Airports but with greater organizational and decision-making freedom. The new management model is expected to enable the terminal to respond more quickly to market demands, thereby boosting both cargo throughput and cruise ship activity. For reference, during the 2023/2024 season, the port received over 100,000 cruise passengers, underscoring its growing appeal as a destination.

According to Congressman Daniel Barbosa, the new model will enable the Port of Maceió to achieve a significant leap in efficiency, thereby expanding operations, increasing job creation, and generating wealth in the region. “With the Companhia Docas de Alagoas, our port will have a modern administration capable of supporting growth in both cargo transportation and cruise tourism. This strengthens Alagoas’ economy and introduces a new dynamic to local development,” said the congressman.

See below a historical overview of long-haul cargo movement at the Port of Maceió, starting in January 2022, measured in tons. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Cargo Throughput at the Port of Maceió | Jan 2022 – Apr 2025 | Tonnes

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

As part of this new structure, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) will assist the Port of Maceió in organizing the new company, providing specialized consultancy, and sharing port management strategies. This partnership is expected to help modernize the terminal’s infrastructure and better meet the demands of both domestic and international trade.

With rising cargo volumes and a shift toward autonomous administration, the Port of Maceió is poised to play a pivotal role in Alagoas’ development, boosting tax revenue and attracting investment through tourism and foreign trade, thereby solidifying its importance as a key gateway for goods in the Northeast region.

Source: 7 Segundos

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