How Maersk's Distribution Centre is Reducing Complexity

With a new warehouse and distribution centre situated at the Port of Suape in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, Maersk is prioritising Latin America as a key region for expansion.

This will strengthen its integrated logistics network in Latin America with expanded distribution and warehousing capabilities, supporting customers seeking greater supply chain efficiency, visibility and resilience across the country.

According to data from Brazil's Ministry of Ports and Airports based on statistics from the Brazilian National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ), the region handled 329.7 million tonnes of cargo through maritime and inland waterways in 2025, while container volumes reached 21.2 million tonnes, representing year-on-year growth of 9%, the strongest increase recorded in the past five years.

As consumer demand, industrial output and cross-border trade continue to grow across the region, businesses are placing greater emphasis on logistics solutions that strengthen inventory positioning, speed up market entry and offer tighter control over their supply chains.

The distribution centre boosts Maersk's capacity to serve customers across a broad range of sectors, including consumer goods, retail, automotive, technology, electronics and food and beverage.

Positioned close to the Suape Port Complex, the facility links domestic distribution networks with international trade flows, enabling customers to move goods more efficiently across both regional and global markets.

Sustainable operations strengthen procurement strategies

To establish highly efficient workflows, the logistics provider aims to implement various sustainable and eco-friendly systems.

​​​​​​​Maersk wants to operate its new warehouse in a sustainable way by implementing lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions initiatives. These methods include waste segregation and recycling programmes, LED lighting throughout the facility and fully electric material handling equipment powered by lithium-ion batteries.

These objectives support Maersk's goal of reaching net-zero GHG emissions by 2040 from a 2022 base year, with key mid-term targets for 2030. This includes targets to reduce emissions from Maersk's own operations and across its supply chains.

Sustainability investments are becoming an increasingly important consideration when selecting logistics providers.

Warehousing strategies that reduce emissions while maintaining operational efficiency can help organisations meet both commercial and ESG objectives.

To strengthen its decarbonisation efforts, Maersk invests in low-emission fuels and technologies, while also providing low-emission logistics solutions to its customers.

Distribution centre expands integrated logistics

Maersk's new distribution centre, situated near Recife International Airport, streamlines logistics operations across ocean, cabotage, inland transportation, warehousing and distribution.

Managed via Maersk's Warehouse Management System (WMS), it offers real-time inventory visibility, process control and data-driven decision-making.

The combination of integrated transport services and real-time supply chain visibility reflects growing demand from procurement teams for logistics partners capable of delivering resilience, transparency and end-to-end operational control.

This allows the company to support clients across diverse industries, including consumer goods, retail, automotive, technology, food and beverage and electronics.

Ricardo Rocha, Vice President and Managing Director of East Coast South America at Maersk, says: "Brazil remains one of the most strategic markets in Latin America, and the Northeast is becoming an increasingly important hub for industry, retail and international trade.

"By strengthening our logistics footprint in Suape, we are helping customers reduce complexity and gain access to integrated supply chain solutions that connect production centres, ports and end consumers more efficiently."

Procurement pressures reshape logistics sourcing

Procurement is another area of focus for Maersk. In a recent detailed report, Maersk focused on how procurement is shifting based on changes in inland transportation.

As transportation costs fluctuate and supply chains become increasingly complex, procurement teams are placing greater emphasis on logistics partners that can provide predictable costs, network flexibility and operational resilience alongside competitive pricing.

Maersk indicates that the US trucking industry is currently facing significant strain due to a combination of escalating fuel costs and mounting operational expenses. Along with industry consolidation, a constrained labour supply and evolving regulatory mandates, these financial pressures are creating major hurdles for the sector.

To thrive in this dynamic landscape, organisations must effectively combine network reach and operational flexibility with transparent, streamlined execution and rigorous cost control.