The Suape Industrial Port Complex has begun a new chapter in its history with the inauguration of the container terminal of APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Danish group Maersk. The enterprise received investments exceeding R$ 2 billion and is considered the first 100% electrified container terminal in Latin America.
Built on an area of approximately 50 hectares acquired from the former Estaleiro Atlântico Sul (EAS) shipyard, the terminal was developed in less than three years after the land acquisition. The new facility has an initial capacity to handle up to 400,000 TEUs per year, increasing the operational container capacity of the Pernambuco port by approximately 55%.
The project was designed to serve Maersk's global operations and incorporates state-of-the-art electrical equipment, as well as sustainability-focused systems, including environmental management, wastewater treatment, and waste control.
The inauguration was attended by the governor of Pernambuco, Raquel Lyra, and the Vice President of the Republic, Geraldo Alckmin. The enterprise is considered one of the largest recent investments in logistics infrastructure in northeastern Brazil.
New competitive landscape
Despite the positive impact on Suape's operational capacity, the start of operations of the new terminal creates an unprecedented competitive scenario within the port complex. Currently, the container terminal operated by Filipino company ICTSI operates under a concession agreement signed in 2001, valid until 2030.
The central point of discussion lies in the differences between the operation models. While the ICTSI terminal operates in a leased area within the public port, APM Terminals' new facility operates under the Private-Use Terminal (TUP) model, with distinct tariff rules. According to information released by JC Negócios, the current concessionaire has been seeking since 2023 to renegotiate its contract with the Pernambuco government to adjust competitive conditions in the face of the arrival of the new competitor.
Sector experts assess that the presence of two container terminals could strengthen Suape's competitiveness against other northeastern ports, especially if operational and cost gains are passed on to port system users.
Growth prospects
The infrastructure expansion occurs at a strategic moment for Pernambuco. The expectation is that new public and private investments will be announced in the coming years, accompanying the growth in cargo movement and industrial expansion projects in the region.
With the arrival of the new terminal, Suape reinforces its position as one of the country's leading logistics hubs, expanding its capacity to serve foreign trade and Brazilian cabotage, while strengthening its participation in container handling in the Northeast.
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