APM Terminals Suape breaks ground on Latin America's first fully electrified terminal

APM Terminals Suape has officially commenced the construction of Latin America's first 100% electrified container terminal at the Governador Eraldo Gueiros Industrial Port Complex (Suape) in Pernambuco State, Brazil.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on November 22, was attended by an esteemed group of officials and executives, including Silvio Costa Filho, Minister of Ports and Airports; Raquel Lyra, Governor of Pernambuco; Marcio Guiot, President of the Suape Industrial Port Complex; Leo Huisman, Managing Director of APM Terminals Americas; Ricardo Rocha, Managing Director of Maersk for the East Coast of South America; Daniel Rose, Managing Director of APM Terminals Suape and Pecem; and Leonardo Levy, Investments Director for APM Terminals.

Investments like this strengthen the Port of Suape. Our goal is to grow Suape by 5% this year, generating more jobs and income for the people of Pernambuco.

Also present were Herllon Rossato Rossdeutscher, Head of Business Integration at APM Terminals Suape; Guilherme Cavalcanti, Secretary of Economic Development of Pernambuco; Eduardo Nery, President of the National Waterway Transportation Agency; Alex Ávila, National Secretary of Ports; Célia Sales, Mayor of Ipojuca; Mário Ricardo and Romero Sales, Members of the Legislative Assembly of Pernambuco; Ossessio Silva, Member of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies; and Mariana Pescatori, Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Airports.

Global vision; local investment

APM Terminals Suape is one of three projects currently being implemented by APM Terminals worldwide, a company with over half a century of experience and presence in 33 countries. With an initial investment of R$1.6 billion, the terminal will accelerate regional development by generating approximately 300 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs. It will also strengthen Pernambuco's connection with other international ports and introduce pioneering initiatives in port sustainability.

“Investments like this strengthen the Port of Suape. Our goal is to grow Suape by 5% this year, generating more jobs and income for the people of Pernambuco. This is a commitment from President Lula,” highlighted Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho.

“The new terminal will allow the Port of Suape to handle even more cargo, ensuring new business opportunities for Pernambuco and the potential for increased exports. Suape, already in a prime location and one of the largest public ports in the country, will gain more competitiveness, enhancing its leadership in the Northeast. This significant investment will create direct and indirect jobs and contribute to the state's development. It aligns with other initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for our people,” said Pernambuco Governor Raquel Lyra.

Building for Suape's future

According to APM Terminals Americas Managing Director Leo Huisman, proactive investment is essential for future growth. The new terminal will create significant opportunities for the Northeast. “This development will provide importers and exporters with more choice. With the terminal set to begin operations in 2026, we will expand berthing windows for our customers, allowing them to introduce new services that connect Pernambuco to numerous global ports.”

APM Terminals Suape and Pecem Managing Director Daniel Rose emphasized the importance of the project's previous stages and next steps. “The first phase was the largest demolition project in Pernambuco, lasting 222 days. Recently, we invested R$241 million in modern equipment to consolidate the project and reinforce our commitment to leading the modernization of the port sector in Brazil. The next phase will involve selecting companies responsible for constructing the quay, yard, and buildings. It is worth noting that with the start of operations, we will increase container handling capacity by 55%.”

"Suape deserves a second container terminal. The APM Terminals project will ensure efficiency and provide more competitiveness, enabling the port to be included in new international routes and bringing the latest in port operations, such as electrified operations. This terminal will be the first 100% electric terminal in Latin America. It is a significant advantage for us and aligns with sustainable projects being developed to expand our activities in harmony with environmental protection," stated Port of Suape President Marcio Guiot.