Initial capacity will be 400,000 teu
APM Terminals (APMT) has won the judicial auction for the acquisition of an Isolated Productive Unit (UPI-B Cais Sul) in the Port of Suape, Brazil, to develop and operate a container and general cargo terminal.
The terminal operator plans to invest R$2.6bn (US$499m) into the new container terminal and to begin operations with an initial capacity of 400,000 teu which will add 55% capacity in the port complex.
Leo Huisman, APMT managing director for the Americas region, said: “Suape has a great growth potential, and our vision is to invest in a terminal that will add additional growth opportunities for Brazil’s northeast region.
“We believe more competition in the region will unlock value to /importers and attract new cargo flows, helping the Port of Suape grow at a faster pace.”
Once all the regulatory approvals have been obtained and the permits required to build the facility are issued, APMT plans to finalise construction within 24 months.
APMT expects the terminal to be fully operational by the end of 2025, when dredging of the access channel and turning basin is also expected to be concluded by Suape Port.
Leanardo Levy, growth manager for the Americas region, said: “We expect the market will benefit from the additional capacity, potentially making Suape a ‘hub’ for the northeast, while generating as much as 338 direct and indirect jobs, increasing competitiveness, and potentially attracting new direct services to Far East and Europe.”
As APMT is committed to net zero greenhouse emissions by 2040, this will be considered in the design of the facility.
The Port of Suape is situated in a highly strategic position in the Northeast and plays a vital role in Brazilian logistics.
It is among the top ten ports for containerised cargo in Brazil, being the eighth in throughput.
Head of growth for the Americas region at APMT, Santi Casciano, said: “APMT is committed to Suape, the region’s growth, and the Brazilian market.
“We appreciate the strong support to our project from the government of Pernambuco, the local community, investors, and customers, and would like to reaffirm our commitment to investing in new technology, new businesses, and further growth of the region.”
APMT has more than 70 ports worldwide and has been constantly investing in Brazil, including greenfield projects, that contribute toward the improvement of the local infrastructure.
