Brazil’s APM Terminals Suape has officially commenced the construction of Latin America’s first fully electrified container terminal at the Governador Eraldo Gueiros Industrial Port Complex (Suape) in Pernambuco State.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on 22 November, was attended by several 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.
“Our goal is to grow Suape by 5% this year, generating more jobs and income for the people of Pernambuco,” said Silvio Costa Filho, Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho.
APM Terminals Suape is one of three projects currently being implemented by the Maersk-owned port operator worldwide. With an initial investment of R$1.6 billion (US$280 million), the terminal will accelerate regional development by generating approximately 300 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs. It is also expected to strengthen Pernambuco’s connection with other international ports and introduce initiatives in port sustainability.
“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,” commented Pernambuco Governor Raquel Lyra.
APM Terminals Americas Managing Director Leo Huisman said, “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 (US$42 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%,” stated Rose.
Port of Suape President Marcio Guiot commented, “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.”
