Pecem, Brazil

Port Overview

Pecem is located in São Gonçalo do Amarante, Ceará, about 50 km from Fortaleza, on Brazil’s northeast coast. It ranks among Brazil’s major and fastest-growing ports, with modern deep-water infrastructure and direct access to key international shipping routes. Strategically, Pecem serves as a vital gateway for exports such as iron ore, steel, and agricultural products, and is central to the region’s industrial development. The port’s annual container throughput capacity is approximately 700,000 TEU, supporting its role as a key logistics and industrial hub for Northeast Brazil.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Pecem Port in Brazil features a dedicated container terminal, bulk cargo terminals (dry and liquid), and a multi-purpose terminal. Key facilities include over 1,200 meters of quay, container storage for 10,000+ TEUs, and advanced cargo handling equipment such as ship-to-shore cranes and yard cranes. The port is expanding with new berths and utility corridors. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not currently listed among its main equipment.

Container Terminals

Pecem, Brazil's container terminals feature three berths and a quay length of approximately 2,100 meters. The container storage capacity exceeds 10,000 TEUs. The port is equipped with advanced cargo handling equipment but lacks detailed information on automation levels. Major operators include APM Terminals, which handles ultra-large container vessels. The port offers integrated logistics and transshipment capabilities, supporting significant container volume growth.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container terminal with advanced equipment, capable of handling ultra-large container vessels and over 10,000 TEUs storage.
• Cargo operations: Stevedoring, bulk cargo management (solid, liquid, refrigerated), and multipurpose berths for various cargo types.
• Ship services: Bunker fuel supply, fresh water, waste management, pilotage, tugboat assistance, and 24/7 port authority support.
• Warehousing: On-site storage facilities, including container yards and logistics integration for efficient cargo movement.
• Customs: Streamlined customs clearance, security screening, and an Export Processing Zone with tax incentives for exporters.

Global Connectivity

Pecem Port in northeastern Brazil offers direct maritime connectivity to major international shipping lanes, linking with ports in Europe, North America, West Africa, and Latin America. It serves the industrial and agricultural regions of Ceará and the broader Northeast, supported by integrated rail and highway networks. Key shipping routes connect Pecem to major markets such as Rotterdam, Sines, and Rostock, making it a strategic hub for both regional distribution and global trade.

Port Statistics

Key Statistics for Pecém, Brazil

• TEU Throughput: In the first half of 2025, APM Terminals Pecém handled 325,478 TEUs, a 38% increase year-on-year. The terminal’s annual capacity is set to rise from 650,000 to 850,000 TEUs after expansion.
• World Ranking: Pecém is not among the world’s top 50 container ports but is a leading logistics hub in Brazil’s Northeast, with rapid growth and strategic importance for regional and international trade.
• Number of Berths: Currently, the container quay is 600 meters; a new 350-meter berth is under construction, expanding total quay length to 800 meters by 2029.
• Area: Specific terminal area not publicly detailed, but the port complex is a major industrial and logistics zone in Ceará state.
• Shipping Lines: Major global carriers, including MSC (via the Santana Service), call at Pecém, especially since the launch of a new direct Asia–Pecém route. The port serves both cabotage and long-haul international trade, with a focus on minerals, fuels, steel, and agricultural products.