Suape port

Suape Port is a Brazilian International Port in the city of Ipojuca in the state of Pernambuco. The port is located inside the Recife metropolitan area, 40 km south of the city. Suape is a non-tidal port that services ships 365 days a year. It is one of the most important harbours and container terminals in the northeast of Brazil. It plays an important role in the economy of the state of Pernambuco. In the 21st century Suape became Pernambuco's main focus for development.

National and international investments were made in the port due to its logistical benefits. By 2010 it is expected these will have totalled more than US$10 billion.

Port construction disturbed shark habitat. They were forced to move north to the coastal region of Recife city. The first verified shark attack took place in 1992. Since then, 60 people have been attacked by sharks,including 24 fatalities, mostly surfers who venture beyond the barrier reef that protects Recife beaches.

The port was designed by the then Governor Francisco de Moura. Its name originates from Suape beach, the most southern beach of Cabo de Santo Agostinho. However, the port is in the municipality of Ipojuca. Its design is based on the Port-Industry integrated system. The port was designed for the transportation of fuels and bulk cereals, replacing the Recife port. On November 7, 1978 a new state law created the Suape Industrial Port Complex to manage the project and the port. Today, it is one of the largest ports in Brazil and has been considered one of the most technologically advanced. Its serves the state of Pernambuco and large parts of Alagoas and Paraiba states.

Suape Port serves ships 365 days a year without regard to tide schedules. To assist in docking, the port offers a monitoring system and laser ship docking system that enables effective, secure control. The port moved over 8.4 million tonnes in 2008 (has increased 7 times since 1992). The liquid transfer (petroleum by-products, chemical products, ethanol, vegetable oils, etc.) constituted more than 80% of the total amount moved. The port can serve ships of up to 170,000 DWT and operational draft of 14.5 m. With 27 km² of backport, the port can serve large ships. The access canal has a 5,000 m extension, which measures 300 m wide and 15.5 m deep. More than 96 Companies are installed or are becoming installed in Suape. These include a Petrobras Refinary, Atlantico Sul (largest shipbuilder in South America) and a large petrochemical company.

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