Key gateway for Brazil’s southern Atlantic trade, connecting major industries and global shipping routes.


Brazilian ports south of Recife include major facilities such as Suape, Rio Grande, São Francisco do Sul, and Angra dos Reis. These ports are strategically located along the Atlantic coast, serving key industrial and agricultural regions. Suape is the largest public port in the Northeast and ranks fifth nationally, while Rio Grande is third in Brazil by cargo volume. São Francisco do Sul is Santa Catarina’s main port, handling around 300,000 TEU annually. Collectively, these ports are vital for Brazil’s export economy, supporting container, bulk, and general cargo with significant annual throughput.
South of Recife, key ports include Paranagua, which is Brazil's major agricultural export hub. It features extensive storage facilities, including silos for grains and sugar, and advanced equipment like cranes and conveyor belts. Other ports, such as those in the southern states, offer diverse cargo handling capabilities with modern facilities and equipment, supporting a wide range of trade activities.
Major container terminals south of Recife include Suape, Salvador, and Itajaí. Suape Container Terminal has 2 berths, a capacity of over 500,000 TEU per year, and is semi-automated, operated by ICTSI. Salvador Container Terminal has 2 berths, a capacity of about 550,000 TEU, and is operated by Wilson Sons, with moderate automation. Itajaí has 2 main berths, capacity around 500,000 TEU, and is operated by APM Terminals, with limited automation.
All other Brazil ports south of Recife, such as Suape, are well-connected to major domestic and international shipping routes. These ports serve key regions including Pernambuco, the Northeast, and inland areas via highways like BR-101 and rail links. They handle diverse cargo and connect to major markets in Europe, North America, and Africa through direct Atlantic routes, supporting both regional industries and global trade flows.
Key Statistics for Ports South of Recife, Brazil: