Pecém - Brazil
The Port of Rotterdam Authority has been a partner in the rapidly growing Brazilian Pecém Complex since December 2018, creating opportunities for international trade flows and investments from Europe. Pecém's strategic location gives it the potential to become the logistical and industrial hub of Northeast Brazil.
The Industrial Area has some of the main manufacturing units in northeast Brazil. Secondly, port of Pecém has a world-class offshore terminal, which achieved a cargo throughput of 20 million tonnes in 2024, a 13% increase on 2023. The port complex also features a 6,182-hectare Free Economic Zone (ZPE) offering tax breaks for production and trade, and an area of 19,000 hectares reserved for new investment and industrial development.
Port of Pecém
A key part of the Complex, the port of Pecém, with its deep natural depth, was designed as an offshore port, incorporating the most modern measures in terms of safety for ports of this type and guaranteeing the necessary space for future long-term expansions. The Port started its operations in 2002.
Following the completion of a 300-metre breakwater extension in 2022, projects have been initiated for a further extension and increased quay capacity. Since 2019, four additional cranes for container handling and three STS cranes for loading steel plates have been installed.
The current infrastructure includes two piers: one for dry bulk, the other for liquid bulk, and the breakwater which functions as a Terminal for Multiple Use (TMUT). Combined with its strong competitive potential, this makes the port of Pecém a consolidated hub and distributor of cargo for the major international markets.
In 2021, the port of Pecém reached the mark of 22.4 million tons handled, thus becoming the second largest port terminal in northeast Brazil in terms of cargo handling. Due to the growth of the national and international economy and related market demand, Porto do Pecém expects to increase productivity to 45 million tons in 2030.
Industrial Area
The Pecém Complex spans over 19,000 hectares and offers infrastructure for the establishment of new enterprises. More than 20 companies from various segments currently operate in the Complex, generating employment and income in the region.
With excellent renewable energy sources in Northeastern Brazil, particularly solar and wind, Pecém is developing as a green energy hub for both local sustainable industries and green hydrogen export.
Pecém is located near the city of Fortaleza in the Brazilian state of Ceará. The region benefits from a qualified workforce and outstanding education system. The excellent infrastructure provides access to state and federal road networks, as well as the railway network, all connected to one of Brazil's fastest-growing ports.
In total, more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs are generated through companies from various sectors, such as civil construction, metallurgy, logistics, fertilizers, animal nutrition, and energy, including renewable energies.
ZPE Ceará – Free Trade Zone
In operation since 2013, ZPE Ceará has been consolidated as an important instrument to promote growth and strengthen the economy of Ceará and Brazil. This is Brazil’s first Free Trade Zone. The free trade zone is strategically located just six kilometres from the port of Pecém and less than 60 kilometres from Fortaleza, the state capital.
ZPE Ceará distinguishes itself through its diversity. The lots are available in varying sizes, accommodating not only large companies, including those involved in green hydrogen projects, but also SMEs.
ZPE Ceará has handled over 65 million tonnes of freight in its history and covers an area of 6,182 hectares, most of which has been contracted to energy investors since 2019, with production expected to commence in 2028. There are currently three companies in Sector 1: Companhia Siderúrgica do Pecém (CSP), the first integrated plant in northeast Brazil, White Martins, and Phoenix. Sector 2 is designated for the production of green hydrogen and related industries.