Refinery at the Port of Suape (PE) receives R$8.6 billion in investments for expansion works

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, took part this Tuesday (2) in Ipojuca (PE) in the announcement of R$8.6 billion in investments for the Abreu e Lima Refinery (Rnest), located in the Suape Industrial Port Complex. The ceremony marked another step toward logistical and operational integration between the refinery and the port.

The expansion project of the Abreu e Lima Refinery, the main project of the New PAC in the state, will increase production capacity to 260,000 barrels per day by 2029 and is expected to generate approximately 30,000 jobs during construction — an initiative considered historic for Pernambuco.

During the event, Minister Silvio Costa Filho highlighted the role of Rnest and Suape in strengthening the energy sector.

“Abreu e Lima Refinery is one of the most modern in Brazil and depends directly on Suape to receive crude oil and distribute its derivatives. Investing here means strengthening the country’s energy security and ensuring new development opportunities for Pernambuco,” said Silvio Costa Filho.

President Lula also emphasized the importance of integrating infrastructure, refining, and job creation for the country’s development.

“The expansion of Rnest and the growth of Suape show that the Northeast is once again a priority. It is imperative that we do not lose sight of what is happening in Brazil and in Pernambuco today. What we are seeing now confirms our country’s sovereignty and the strength of Petrobras, our largest company, generating development, dignity, and direct benefits for the Brazilian people. When we invest in energy, logistics, and industry, we are investing in the people and in Brazil’s future,” the president stated.

Recent figures reinforce this relevance. In September 2025, the Port of Suape handled 2.2 million tonnes, an increase of 10.33% compared to the previous year. Liquid bulk reached 1.4 million tonnes, driven by an 84.48% rise in crude oil operations, directly linked to Rnest activities.

According to Silvio Costa Filho, these results prove the strength of integration between the port, the refinery, and industry.

“Suape is the logistical heart of Rnest. This new investment cycle consolidates the complex as one of the country’s main energy hubs,” said the minister, also noting that expanding the refinery’s capacity to 260,000 barrels per day by 2029 is “a historic reparation for Pernambuco.”

Energy infrastructure

Petrobras will invest around R$12 billion to complete Train 2 of the Abreu e Lima Refinery and to perform maintenance on Train 1. The works should add 130,000 barrels per day to the unit’s processing capacity, bringing it to 260,000 barrels per day by 2029, reinforcing the set of actions to consolidate Suape as a strategic axis of national energy infrastructure and security.

Construction of Train 2 currently employs around 5,700 workers and is expected to generate approximately 15,000 direct and indirect jobs over the course of the project. The expansion will significantly increase derivatives production, adding 88,000 barrels per day of S-10 diesel, as well as gasoline, LPG, and naphtha. The increased supply will help reduce dependence on imports and expand the country’s energy autonomy.

The project follows international guidelines and incorporates technologies with lower environmental impact, prioritizing operational reliability, product quality, low maintenance costs, energy efficiency, rational water use, and high safety standards.

Source: Ministry of Ports and Airports

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