Suape posts mixed 2025 results as refinery shutdown weighs on volumes

The Port of Suape closed 2025 with mixed performance across its core segments, consolidating its position as Brazil’s sixth-largest public port and the leading logistics hub in the Northeast. The port also maintained its national leadership in liquid bulk operations and cabotage shipping.

According to consolidated figures from ANTAQ’s Waterway Statistics Panel released Tuesday (10) in Brasília, total cargo throughput reached 24.25 million tonnes. Overall volumes declined 2.4% year-on-year.

The drop was largely driven by a 7.7% contraction in liquid bulk and gas operations, which totaled 14.7 million tonnes, down from 15.9 million tonnes in 2024. Port management described the decline as temporary, linked to a scheduled technical shutdown at the Abreu e Lima refinery (Rnest) during the first two months of 2025. The stoppage was required to complete works on Refining Train 1 and to implement Snox technology aimed at improving energy efficiency in S-10 diesel processing. Rnest is the largest industrial facility within the complex and accounts for 41.5% of Suape’s liquid bulk volumes.

Other segments, however, outperformed national averages. Containerized cargo reached 7.55 million tonnes, up 7.54% from 2024 — slightly above Brazil’s national average growth of 7.23% — securing Suape’s top ranking in the North and Northeast for container throughput.

Solid bulk cargo, including wheat and petroleum coke, totaled 1.32 million tonnes, an 8.3% increase year-on-year, also above the national average of 6.3%. Breakbulk cargo, including bagged sugar and wind turbine blades, rose 1% to 663,500 tonnes.

Vehicle handling maintained steady growth, with 83,992 units processed in 2025, up 5% from the previous year. The result reinforces Suape’s position as the largest vehicle hub in Brazil’s North and Northeast.

According to Suape CEO Armando Monteiro Bisneto, the outlook remains positive, with expectations of strengthening the port’s role as a strategic platform for Pernambuco’s and Brazil’s economic development. The projection reflects the refinery’s return to higher processing capacity and the announcement of BRL 12 billion in investments for Refining Train 2, now under development.

On the infrastructure front, the port completed dredging of its internal channel to 16.2 meters and secured Brazilian Navy approval for a 20-meter external channel, enhancing deepwater and sheltered navigation conditions.

Suape also welcomed APM Terminals’ container facility — described as Latin America’s first fully electrified container terminal — and continues to attract private investment in energy transition projects, including e-methanol plants by European Energy and GoVerde, representing a combined BRL 4 billion in investment.

Source: Porto de Suape

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