Suape to resume exporting fruits

With Maersk-owned company APM Terminals set to build a new container terminal in Suape, an investment of up to R$ 2.6 billion is foreseen, bringing new shipping routes and the possibility of transporting fruits from the São Francisco Valley with it.

The company APM Terminals presented a proposal of BRL 455 million, BRL 5 million more than the competitor, for an area belonging to the Atlântico Sul Shipyard in the Port of Suape. The process is currently being reviewed by the Court of Ipojuca, the institution responsible for the operation of financial reorganization post-bankruptcy of the shipyard.

When officially granted the contract, APM Terminals is expected to announce an investment of up to BRL 2.6 billion in the new terminal, which will have an initial capacity of 400,000 TEUs, increasing the port complex’s capacity by 55% and bringing more competition and business opportunities to the market.

Once all the licenses are issued, the company expects to complete construction within 24 months and begin operations in 2025, when the dredging of the access channel and maneuvering basin through the Port of Suape will be completed, allowing ships to access the area of TECON 2.

The arrival of the most prominent shipowner in the world and the HUB installation will put Suape on another level. In recent years, Suape has been losing prominence vis-à-vis the ports of Pecém and Salvador, where in the latter, the fruits of the São Francisco Valley were shipped, maintaining itself primarily as a cabotage port.

Suape currently has only one container terminal in a contract criticized by both parties, making it the most expensive port in Brazil, according to a study by ANTAQ. However, with the new terminal, more possibilities for long-haul routes will increase competitiveness.

The arrival of Maersk will open up direct and weekly routes with Europe and Asia due to the existing logistical connections in its portfolio, on top of those that have yet to be built. It is important to mention that Maersk established a protocol of intentions, providing for investments in modernization, large ships, and the sustainability of the port activity.

The upcoming investments cannot be limited to these elements. The Transnordestina railroad must be completed, the Metropolitan Arch must be approved, and construction must begin. The port’s competitiveness will only prevail if the other links in its logistical chain are strong. Otherwise, it will suffer due to a lack of logistical integration on land.

Source: Diário de Pernambuco

To read the full original article, please go to: https://www.diariodepernambuco.com.br/noticia/economia/2022/08/suape-voltara-a-exportar-frutas.html

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