APM Terminals Suape begins commercial

APM Terminals Suape has commenced commercial operations in Pernambuco, Brazil. The start follows the first commercial vessel call at the new facility.

The Maersk Ganges made that inaugural call. The vessel operates on the ALCT2 coastal service. Maersk had previously announced it would begin using the new Suape facility through its Aliança services.

According to APM Terminals, the ALCT2 service will call at the terminal twice a week. This service connects Suape with the Brazilian ports of Pecém, Salvador, Santos, Itapoá, Rio Grande, and Imbituba.

Herllon Rossato Rossdeutscher, Head of Operations at APM Terminals Suape, commented on the milestone. "This first commercial operation marks the effective start of terminal activities following an extensive development, testing and readiness phase," he said.

Terminal adds major new capacity

In its initial phase, the terminal has an annual capacity of up to 400,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). APM Terminals states this new facility increases the total container handling capacity at the wider Suape Port Complex by 55%.

The terminal was designed to accommodate large vessels. Its operations are fully electrified, a feature the company describes as a first for a container terminal in Latin America. The facility also includes storage and logistics services.

Daniel Rose, Managing Director of APM Terminals Suape and Pecém, highlighted the strategic role of the new capacity. He said the terminal will support new trade flows and further strengthen the port's position as a key logistics gateway in Brazil.

Investment and projected economic impact

More than BRL 2 billion has been invested in the terminal's development. APM Terminals also emphasized the project's wider economic potential.

A study conducted by A&M Infra, Navarro Prado Advogados, and APM Terminals estimates significant benefits. The development could contribute up to BRL 4.8 billion in exports, according to the study. It also estimates a potential BRL 4.9 billion contribution to Brazil's gross domestic product (GDP).

The project could support more than 43,000 direct and indirect jobs. These jobs would be across industries linked to international trade.

APM Terminals expects the new capacity to bolster Suape's role in the national logistics network. The company specifically aims to support growing demand in Brazil's Northeast region. The first commercial call by the Maersk Ganges turns this expectation into an operational reality.