Suape expands operational depth and prepares to handle larger ships

The Port of Suape, in Pernambuco, began operating with new depth parameters in the inner channel, the turning basin, and Liquid Bulk Berths 3A and 3B. The measures were approved by the Brazilian Navy through Ordinance No. 190/2026 and expand the conditions for handling large vessels.

The inner channel now has a depth of 16.25 meters. The turning basin and the two liquid bulk berths reach 18.39 meters. With this configuration, container ships up to 366 meters long, including New Panamax vessels, may seek to make better use of their cargo capacity while respecting navigational safety limits.

Full use of this potential is still conditional on the completion of a maneuverability study scheduled to take place during 2026. The assessment should complement the evaluation of operating conditions and guide the use of the new depths.

The change was made possible by a dredging project completed in January. The work covered the inner channel, the turning basin, and the berths, removing approximately 4.18 million cubic meters of sediment. The total investment reported was R$247 million: R$100 million from the Ministry of Ports and Airports through Novo PAC, and R$147 million in Suape's own funds.

In addition to its inner areas, the port has an approved depth of 20 meters in the outer channel. This level, achieved after dredging completed in 2024 and approved in 2025, allows large vessels such as Suezmax-class oil tankers to navigate.

The combination of deeper inner and outer access channels may increase Suape's operational flexibility, affecting deep-sea calls, cabotage, liquid bulk handling, and the attraction of new international maritime connections.

Source

https://www.suape.pe.gov.br/noticias/8-noticias/2074-marinha-homologa-novas-profundidades-e-suape-avanca-na-capacidade-de-receber-gigantes-dos-mares