The offshore port of Pecem, located in the northwest of Brazil, has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Its proximity to Europe and the United States makes it a strategic point for international trade, especially for fruit and vegetable exports. Currently, it is a fully operational port that last year handled 55,000 (TEU) containers, i.e. 13% more than in 2023.
© Pecem
"Pecem is a private port in which the government of the state of Ceará (Brazil) owns 70% and the port of Rotterdam 30%. This international alliance allows it to operate with a modern infrastructure and preferential access to key markets". André Magalhães, commercial director of Pecem, said: "We are a private port with a structure that allows us to respond efficiently to the needs of international trade".
"Pecem plays a fundamental role in fruit and vegetable exports, as approximately 10% of the port's total volume is destined for this sector. Europe is the main destination, with most cargo going to Rotterdam and the north of the continent, followed by the United States and the Mediterranean. The most exported products include melons, grapes, and mangoes," Magalhães said.
"One of the main challenges that the port faces is ensuring the adequate storage of perishable products. To this end, it has 1,250 plugs to connect refrigerated containers." However, growing demand and logistical challenges have led to the need to further improve storage and distribution infrastructure."Fruits cannot be affected by logistical problems. We must ensure that they arrive fresh at their destination," Magalhães stressed.
The region's growth has driven the demand for more port infrastructure. Port authorities have identified the need to expand facilities to improve cargo flow. Pecem is currently planning the construction of a new berthing (or anchoring) space exclusively for the handling of fruit containers. A cold storage area will be set up next to it to reinforce the port's logistics infrastructure. Construction will start next semester and will significantly increase the port's
operational efficiency and capacity for perishable products.
"In addition, the port is working on the creation of a hydrogen hub, a strategic project that will allow Brazil to start exporting hydrogen from 2027," Magalhães stated. This initiative is part of the efforts to diversify the port's activities and position it as an actor in the global energy transition."
© PecemFor more information:André Magalhães
Pecem
Brazil
Tel: +55 85 99921 1282
Email: andre.magalhaes@complexodoPecem.com.br
www.complexodoPecem.com.br