Ceará is now one of Brazil’s top logistics and port infrastructure hubs, thanks to the growing importance of the Port of Pecém. It is one of the country’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding port complexes. The Pecém Industrial and Port Complex is on the west coast of Ceará and is now an important entry point for international trade. It handles everything from containerized cargo and solid bulk to project cargo and, more and more, renewable energy components like wind turbine blades and green hydrogen infrastructure.
The logistics ecosystem of the state goes beyond the port itself and includes multimodal operations that combine air, road, rail and sea transport. Logistics companies in Ceará are becoming more and more important to Brazil’s supply chain and international trade competitiveness. They are making big investments in port expansion, modernizing equipment and sustainability projects.
This carefully chosen list includes five well-known port and logistics companies that are based in Ceará or do a lot of business there. These companies offer a wide range of services, including maritime agency services, terminal operations, road transport and integrated logistics solutions. This overview gives you useful information about the main players in Ceará’s logistics sector, whether you are an exporter, importer, or supply chain professional.
How We Selected the Top Port and Logistics Companies in Ceará
We evaluated the companies featured in this list based on the following general criteria:
- Headquarters or a Significant Presence in Ceará: shown operational base or significant operations in the state
- Infrastructure and Assets: the size of the terminal’s operations, the number of pieces of equipment it has and the size of the building it works in
- Strategic Importance: Its role in helping Ceará’s port infrastructure and export economy
- Service Diversification: A variety of logistics services for multimodal, maritime, road and rail transport
- Investing in new equipment, eco-friendly practices and efficient operations are all ways to promote innovation and sustainability.
List of Top 5 Ceará-Based Port and Logistics Companies
- APM Terminals Pecém
- Tecer Terminais Portuários
- Global Ship
- North Star Shipping Services
- Grupo TB Hub
A Closer Look at Each Port and Logistics Company
1. APM Terminals Pecém
APM Terminals Pecém is the only company that runs the container terminal at the Port of Pecém. It is also one of the biggest and most important port operators in Northeast Brazil. The company is a part of the global APM Terminals network, which is part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group. It has been a key player in turning Pecém into a major container handling hub. In 2025, APM Terminals got a 15-year extension on its operating license, which means it will be at the port until 2049. This shows that the company is committed to Ceará’s long-term growth.
Key Services Offered
- Management and operations at container terminals
- Handling cargo for cabotage and long-distance navigation
- Handling refrigerated containers (also called reefers) for fruit exports
- Management of empty container depots and reverse logistics
- Operations of ship-to-shore (STS) cranes
- Managing terminal infrastructure and equipment
Ideal Client Type
International shipping lines, fruit exporters (particularly fresh fruit to European markets), importers, freight forwarders and logistics companies requiring containerized cargo handling at the Port of Pecém.
Notable Strengths or Differentiators
APM Terminals Pecém has grown considerably. In 2023, it handled 482,044 TEUs, which is 15% more than the year before. It handled 235,148 TEUs in the first half of 2024, a 16.6% increase over the previous year. Strong export growth (22.6% more containers shipped) and cabotage operations (129,127 TEUs handled in the first half of 2024) are what make the company do well.
The company is planning a big expansion, which includes building a new 350-meter berth that will lengthen the container quay from 600 to 800 meters. APM Terminals will buy a fourth ship-to-shore (STS) crane for about $35 million and replace diesel-powered equipment with six electric RTGs (e-RTGs) and electric terminal trucks. By 2030, these projects should be able to handle 850,000 TEUs of cargo and cut carbon emissions by 70%.
Any’s dedicated empty container depot, capable of storing up to 10,000 TEUs, supports the critical reverse logistics needs of the region’s fruit export sector, ensuring containers are available for harvest seasons.
Contact Information
Website: www.apmterminals.com/en/pecem
2. Tecer Terminais Portuários
Tecer Terminais Portuários is a logistics service provider based in Ceará that works at the Port of Pecém. The company was founded in 2007 and has a reputation for being flexible and doing an impressive job. It is a key partner for moving cargo by sea, road, rail and pipeline (dutoviário). Tecer is an important part of the Pecém ecosystem because it has more than 500 employees and a fleet of modern equipment that can handle an average of 30,000 tons of cargo per month.
Key Services Offered
- Operational services (PSO) at the Pecém Port
- Handling solid bulk cargo
- Handling project cargo and large loads
- Handling and storing containers
- Multimodal logistics coordination (maritime, road, rail, dutoviário)
- Fleet operations and specialized equipment
Ideal Client Type
Industrial exporters, renewable energy project developers (wind and solar), mining companies and cargo owners requiring specialized handling for bulk, project, or containerized cargo at the Port of Pecém.
Notable Strengths or Differentiators
Tecer’s versatility across cargo types sets it apart. The company handles everything from solid bulk grains to project cargo for wind farms and containerized goods. Its fleet of modern, specialized equipment enables efficient and safe handling of complex cargo types.
The company has achieved significant operational milestones, including handling a record 17,486 tons of ornamental rocks for export in 2024—the highest volume in the port’s history—demonstrating its capacity to support Ceará’s stone export industry. Tecer is also actively engaged in the region’s renewable energy transition, participating in industry events such as the FIEC Summit on green hydrogen and the World Hydrogen 2025 Summit in Rotterdam, reflecting its strategic positioning in the emerging hydrogen economy.
Tecer holds ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) certifications, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and workplace safety.
Contact Information
Website: www.tecerterminais.com.br
3. Global Ship
Global Ship is a company that works in the maritime and port industries. It is becoming more and more important in the Port of Fortaleza (Mucuripe). The company started in Bahia 18 years ago and has since expanded its operations to several other Brazilian states, such as Ceará, Bahia, Sergipe, Pará and Rio de Janeiro. Global Ship is an expert in port terminal operations, especially when it comes to getting materials and supplies to offshore oil platforms for Brazil’s offshore energy sector.
Key Services Offered
- Operations at port terminals in land areas
- Logistics and supply for oil rigs in the ocean
- Support for maritime operations
- Managing the supply chain for offshore energy
Ideal Client Type
Offshore oil and gas operators, energy companies and maritime service providers requiring specialized logistics support for platform supply operations.
Notable Strengths or Differentiators
Global Ship’s specialization in the offshore energy sector gives it a unique position within Ceará’s port logistics landscape. The company’s focus on supplying vessels that transport goods to offshore platforms aligns with Brazil’s growing oil and gas production in the Northeast region. In early 2025, Global Ship executives met with Companhia Docas do Ceará to present ongoing projects and discuss strengthening operations in the Port of Fortaleza, signaling the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the state.
The company’s 18-year track record and presence across five Brazilian states demonstrate operational scale and experience in complex maritime logistics environments.
Contact Information
Website: https://globalship.com.br/
4. North Star Shipping Services
North Star Shipping Services is a Brazilian maritime agency and logistics company that is very well-known in Ceará. The business began in Recife in 2011 and expanded to Fortaleza in 2015 to serve the ports of Pecém and Mucuripe. North Star has since become a full-service maritime company with offices in 13 Brazilian ports, including Fortaleza. The fact that the company is ISO 9001:2015 certified shows that it cares about quality management and giving excellent service.
Key Services Offered
- Maritime agencies offer services for ships from the US and other countries.
- Shipping and negotiating freight
- Cost-cutting and maritime consulting
- NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) services
- Bundling cargo and freight by road
- Storing goods and warehousing
- Workshops and training for people who work in the maritime industry
Ideal Client Type
International shipping lines, vessel owners, importers and exporters, freight forwarders and companies requiring integrated maritime agency and logistics support at Brazilian ports.
Notable Strengths or Differentiators
North Star provides a wide range of services, such as shipbroking, maritime agency, consulting and logistics. This means that clients can get everything they need for their maritime supply chain in one place. There are 13 private offices along Brazil’s coast, one of which is in Fortaleza. This gives them a lot of local knowledge and coverage in different parts of the world.
The fact that the company offers specialized courses and workshops for people who work in the maritime industry shows that they are dedicated to sharing knowledge and moving the industry forward. Bureau Veritas gave North Star its ISO 9001:2015 certification in March 2021. This certification shows clients that all of its service lines follow excellent quality management rules.
Contact Information
Website: www.nsshipping.com.br
5. Grupo TB Hub
Grupo TB Hub is a logistics company based in Ceará that has been in business for more than 30 years. They offer supply chain management, road transport and integrated logistics solutions all over Brazil. The company focuses on moving containerized and bulk cargo and it is critical to Ceará’s export economy, especially in the fruit export sector. Grupo TB also moves cargo for iron ore operations and solar parks.
Key Services Offered
- Managing a fleet of vehicles and getting them to where they need to go
- Transporting cargo in containers
- Logistics for bulk cargo
- Management of the supply chain
- Help with logistics for exporting fruit
- Logistics for renewable energy projects (solar parks)
Ideal Client Type
Fruit exporters, agribusiness companies, renewable energy developers, mining companies and industrial shippers requiring reliable road transport and supply chain solutions.
Notable Strengths or Differentiators
Grupo TB Hub’s strong connection to Ceará’s export economy, particularly in the fruit sector, sets it apart. Reliable, temperature-controlled logistics are necessary for Ceará’s agricultural economy to export fresh fruit to European and international markets. Grupo TB’s knowledge of moving cargo in containers helps this important export chain.
The business is also setting an example in terms of sustainability. Grupo TB made a groundbreaking announcement at Expolog 2024: starting in 2025, they will add fully electric trucks to their fleet. This move puts the company at the top of sustainable logistics in Ceará, which is in line with global trends toward eco-friendly transportation and decarbonization.
Grupo TB’s involvement in renewable energy logistics—including cargo transport for solar parks—reflects its adaptability to emerging market opportunities in Ceará’s growing clean energy sector.
Contact Information
Website: https://grupotbhub.com.br/
How to Choose the Right Port and Logistics Company in Ceará
- Tell us what kind of cargo you have and how much of it: Find out if you need help with containerized cargo, bulk cargo, project cargo, or something else. APM Terminals is excellent at moving containers and Tecer is outstanding at moving bulk and project cargo.
- Consider Port of Entry: Ceará’s two main ports—Pecém and Mucuripe (Fortaleza)—serve different purposes. Pecém handles the majority of containerized and industrial cargo with advanced infrastructure, while Mucuripe serves maritime agencies and general cargo needs. North Star and Global Ship have strong Mucuripe operations; APM Terminals and Tecer are based in Pecém.
- Check out multimodal capabilities: If your supply chain needs to work across land, sea and rail, look for providers who are experts in all three. Tecer is ideal for complicated logistics chains because it works with all types of transportation.
- Check for a Commitment to Sustainability: If your company has ESG goals, look for companies that are investing in sustainable operations. By 2030, APM Terminals wants to cut emissions by 70% by electrifying its equipment. Grupo TB Hub will start using electric trucks in 2025.
- Look over Industry Specialization: Make sure the provider has experience in your field. APM Terminals’ knowledge of reefer containers and Grupo TB’s knowledge of fruit logistics help fruit exporters. Offshore energy companies should think about Global Ship’s expertise in platform supply.
- Check for certifications and standards: Look for industry accreditations and ISO certifications. Tecer has ISO 9001 and 45001 and North Star has ISO 9001:2015.
Ceará’s ports and logistics show how important the state is as a gateway for international trade, renewable energy development and agricultural exports. The profiled companies demonstrate the diversity and depth of this dynamic sector.
APM Terminals Pecém is the state’s best container terminal. It has big plans to grow and is very committed to being environmentally friendly. Tecer Terminais Portuários offers important operational services at Pecém and can handle bulk, project and containerized cargo. Global Ship brings its knowledge of offshore energy logistics to the Port of Fortaleza. North Star Shipping Services has a strong base in Ceará and offers full maritime agency and logistics coverage at all of Brazil’s ports. Grupo TB Hub has a lot of experience in the area and is working on new ways to make road transport more sustainable.
Each business adds its strengths to Ceará’s logistics ecosystem. The right choice depends on your specific cargo type, port of entry requirements and supply chain objectives. We suggest that readers look at these companies based on the services they offer, the strength of their infrastructure and how well they meet your logistics needs.
With continued investment in port infrastructure, equipment modernization and sustainable transport solutions, Ceará’s position as a logistics powerhouse will only strengthen in the years ahead.
FAQ
1. What services do port and logistics companies in Ceará typically offer?
Port and logistics companies in Ceará offer a comprehensive range of services, including container terminal operations, maritime agency services, shipbroking, bulk cargo handling, project cargo logistics, road transport, warehousing, NVOCC services, supply chain management and specialized support for offshore energy operations.
2. What are the main ports in Ceará?
Ceará has two main ports: the Port of Pecém in São Gonçalo do Amarante and the Port of Mucuripe in Fortaleza. Mucuripe is the state’s main container terminal and industrial port. Pecém is used for general cargo and maritime agency work.
3. How large is the Port of Pecém’s container capacity?
APM Terminals Pecém currently handles approximately 482,000 TEUs annually, with capacity expected to increase to 850,000 TEUs following the completion of expansion projects, including a new 350-meter berth and additional STS cranes.
4. Which logistics companies in Ceará focus on sustainability?
Several logistics companies in Ceará are investing in sustainability. APM Terminals Pecém is replacing diesel-powered terminal trucks and RTGs with electric ones. They want to cut emissions by 70% by 2030. Grupo TB Hub wants to add fully electric trucks to its fleet starting in 2025.
5. Are these companies suitable for fruit exporters?
Yes. Ceará is a big exporter of fruit and several logistics companies focus on helping this industry. APM Terminals Pecém handles a lot of refrigerated containers (reefers) and has a big empty container depot to help with fruit export seasons. Grupo TB Hub also offers specialized transportation services for fruit exporters.
6. How do I verify a logistics company’s reliability and certifications?
Some important signs are ISO certifications (like ISO 9001 for quality management), how long the company has been in business, partnerships with other companies in the same field and being a member of professional groups. Tecer Terminais has ISO 9001 and 45001 certifications, while North Star has ISO 9001:2015. Checking these credentials gives you peace of mind about the quality of the work.
