UN/LOCODE: BRSUA📍 Brazil

Port of Suape (UN/LOCODE BRSUA)

❖ Coordinates: -8.3537°N, -34.9576°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Fortaleza

❖ UN/LOCODE: BRSUA

## About the Port The **Suape Port** (UN/LOCODE: BRSUA) is a critical deep-water maritime facility located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Situated at coordinates **-8.3536618 latitude, -34.9575528 longitude**, within the **America/Fortaleza timezone**, the port serves as a cornerstone of northeastern Brazil’s logistics and industrial landscape. As one of the largest and most modern ports in Latin America, Suape plays a pivotal role in the region's economic development, handling over 40 million tons of cargo annually. Its strategic location on the Atlantic coast, approximately 30 kilometers south of Recife, positions it as a gateway for international trade, particularly for the northeastern states of Brazil. ## History The establishment of Suape Port traces back to the 1970s when the Brazilian government sought to decongest the Port of Recife and capitalize on the region’s industrial growth. Construction began in 1975, with operations commencing in 1987. Initially designed to handle bulk cargo and general freight, the port underwent significant expansion in the late 20th and early 21st centuries to accommodate growing demand. Key milestones include the inauguration of the **Terminal de Contêineres do Povoado (TCP)** in 1997 and the **Peirotti Terminal** in 2007, both of which underscored Suape’s evolution into a modern container and multimodal logistics hub. Over the decades, infrastructure upgrades have aligned the port with global standards, enabling it to compete with major South American ports like Santos and Rio de Janeiro. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Suape Port boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure tailored to handle diverse cargo types. The port spans 25,000 hectares and features a **natural depth of 18 meters**, allowing it to accommodate capesize vessels and post-Panamax ships. Key facilities include: ### Container Terminals - **TCP (Terminal de Contêineres do Povoado)**: Operated by Terminal de Povoado S.A., this terminal has an annual capacity of 1.6 million TEUs and is equipped with advanced cranes and automated systems for efficient container handling. - **Peirotti Terminal**: Specializes in container and general cargo, with storage yards and cold-chain logistics capabilities for perishable goods. ### Bulk and Dry Cargo Terminals - Handles grains, coal, fertilizers, and iron ore through dedicated terminals with conveyor systems and silos. - The **Terminal Especializada de Minerais (TEME)** focuses on mineral exports, leveraging Suape’s proximity to Brazil’s mining heartlands. ### Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) Facilities - A dedicated Ro-Ro terminal accommodates vehicle imports and exports, supported by pre-delivery inspection areas and rail-road intermodal connections. The port is also integrated with the **Suape Industrial Complex**, home to over 200 companies in sectors like petrochemicals, automotive, and manufacturing. Additionally, the **Fernando de Noronha International Airport** and nearby highways enhance its connectivity. Recent investments include a **$2.3 billion expansion project** to deepen the access channel and modernize cargo handling equipment, ensuring alignment with Industry 4.0 trends. ## Economic Importance Suape is a linchpin for Pernambuco’s economy, contributing approximately **15% of the state’s GDP** and generating over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. The port’s operations stimulate regional industrial growth by enabling cost-effective import of raw materials and export of finished goods. Key economic contributions include: - **Industrial Development**: The adjacent Suape Industrial Complex hosts major firms like Braskem (petrochemicals) and Volkswagen (automotive), relying on the port for supply chain efficiency. - **Foreign Exchange Earnings**: In 2022, the port facilitated $14 billion in exports, including steel, chemicals, and agricultural products, bolstering Brazil’s trade surplus. - **Regional Competitiveness**: By reducing logistics costs for northeastern states, Suape enhances their competitiveness in global markets. Studies suggest that the port reduces cargo transit times by 40% compared to traditional routes through southern Brazilian ports. According to Brazil’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Suape is among the top five ports in the country by cargo volume, underlining its national significance. Its growth aligns with Brazil’s broader strategy to diversify maritime logistics away from the crowded ports of Rio and Santos. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Suape’s strategic location enables it to act as a hub for transshipment and direct international trade. Major trade routes connect the port to key markets in **Europe (Hamburg, Rotterdam), North America (New York, Houston), and Asia (Shanghai, Singapore)**, alongside intra-American corridors. Primary cargo types include: - **Containerized Goods**: Electronics, machinery, textiles, and consumer products. The port handles 60% of northeastern Brazil’s containerized cargo. - **Bulk Commodities**: Iron ore (via TEME), coal, and grains (soybeans, corn) destined for Asian and European markets. - **Ro-Ro Cargo**: Approximately 200,000 vehicles pass through annually, primarily for Brazil’s domestic market and neighboring South American countries. - **Liquid Bulk**: Petroleum products and chemicals are transported via pipeline links to the port’s terminals. Notable partnerships include agreements with **MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company** and **CMA CGM**, which operate regular services to global ports. In 2023, Suape reported a 12% year-on-year increase in containerized cargo, reflecting its growing prominence in global supply chains. Its role in Brazil’s agribusiness sector is also significant, with over 10 million tons of grain exports annually. For further details, visit the Suape Port Authority↗ or explore Brazil’s maritime logistics landscape via the Brazilian Ministry of Infrastructure↗.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

BRSUA

Country

Brazil

Province / Region

Pernambuco

Latitude

-8.353662

Longitude

-34.957553

Timezone

America/Fortaleza

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Suape?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Suape is BRSUA.

Where is Port of Suape located?

The Port of Suape is located in Brazil, Pernambuco. Its coordinates are -8.3537°N, -34.9576°E.

What time zone is Port of Suape in?

Port of Suape operates in the America/Fortaleza time zone.

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About the World Port Index

This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.

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