Port of Suape Reports 5.2% Growth in Cargo Throughput

The increase in port operations has boosted cargo throughput at the Port of Suape by some 5.2% between January and October compared to the same period last year. The port recorded 20,985,821 tonnes in exports and imports, with August being the busiest month, at some 2,670,132 tonnes.

The number of dockings also grew by 10% (to 1,381 ships of various types and sizes). With this performance, Suape remains Brazil’s sixth busiest public port.

“These numbers are very positive and reaffirm the importance of the Port of Suape as one of the country’s busiest port terminals. But we aim higher. The investments the Raquel Lyra administration is making in port infrastructure will further enhance Suape’s operating capacity and ensure greater growth in the coming years,” highlighted the Secretary of Economic Development, Guilherme Cavalcanti.

According to the Annual Statistical Report of the National Waterway Transportation Agency (Antaq), containerized cargo operations experienced the most significant growth compared to last year, with a 23% increase, totaling 528,258 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). This growth is attributed to Suape’s inclusion, since July 27, in the trade route connecting Singapore and Northeast Brazil, with stops at ports in China, the Caribbean, and other regional terminals.

On that day, the MSC Orion, a world-class vessel measuring 366 meters in length, became the largest ship ever to berth at the Pernambuco port. The operation occurred at the Container Terminal (Tecon Suape) late in the morning on a sunny Saturday. Since then, other New Panamax vessels—ships of the same category—have arrived in succeeding months, culminating in the Santana service’s official debut with the MSC Juliette’s arrival on November 7, which coincided with the port’s 46th anniversary.

The route is operated by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., one of the global giants in maritime transport. “Suape is positioning itself as a gateway for long-haul container shipping in the region, increasing competitiveness for exporters and importers. This is a significant achievement for Pernambuco, and the outlook is very positive, considering the ongoing infrastructure improvement efforts, such as dredging works and the recovery of the breakwater,” said Marcio Guiot, CEO of the state port authority.

Here’s a chart comparing container exports and imports at the Port of Suape from January 2021 to October 2024. The data was derived from Datamar’s top-notch data service, DataLiner.

Suape Port Exports & Imports | Jan 2021 – Oct 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Breakbulk Cargo

Breakbulk cargo handling increased by 13.9%, totaling 492,208 tonnes. This segment includes bagged sugar, steel sheets and coils, vehicles, wind turbine components, rebar, steel billets, and large industrial parts.

For example, the vehicle hub processed 66,874 units during the period, with a notable contribution from BYD (Build Your Dreams), a Chinese giant specializing in electric and hybrid cars.

Liquid Bulk Cargo Operations

Liquid bulk cargo operations, primarily petroleum and derivatives, remained stable between January and October, with a slight decrease of 0.7% compared to 2023. Last year, liquid bulk movement totaled 13,735,135 tonnes, representing 65.4% of the total cargo volume.

The Pernambuco port remains the national leader in this type of operation. It also leads coastal shipping among public ports in Brazil and holds the top position in container handling in the Northeast region.

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