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Port of Fortaleza

BRFOR🇧🇷Brazil

Port Location

About Port of Fortaleza

Fortaleza Port, established in 1726, is a key maritime gateway in Northeastern Brazil. It handles bulk cargo, containers, gas, general cargo, and tankers. The port features depths of approximately 9.75 meters, accommodating various vessel types.

Background
Fortaleza is the state capital of Ceará, located in Northeastern Brazil. It is Brazil's 4th largest city—Fortaleza surpassed Salvador in 2024 census with a population of slightly over 2.5 million. Currently, it is the eleventh richest city in the country by gross domestic product and the richest in the Northeast, with a GDP of about 73 billion reais. It forms the core of the Fortaleza metropolitan area, which is home to almost 4 million people.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
9.75m
Channel Depth
9ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
10m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
No
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Floating
Drydock
U
Repair Code
B
Terminals
1

History

Established
1726
Operator (Wikidata ID)
Companhia Docas do Ceará

Terminals

TERMACO OCEAN TERMINAL

TERMACO TERMINAIS MAR DE CONTAINERS E SERV ACES LTDA

Av. Vicente Castro, S/N, Salas 01 e 02 - Mucuripe, Fortaleza - CE, 60180-422, Brazil

www.termaco.com.br →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
BRFOR
Country
🇧🇷Brazil
Time Zone
UTC-3
Feature Type
PRT (Port)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Open roadstead
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
BR-CE
Area
East Coast South America
Latitude
-3.7145°
Longitude
-38.4965°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
12650 →
GeoNames ID
3394289 →
Wikidata
Q43463 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.fortaleza.ce.gov.br →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Fortaleza?+
The controlling depth at Fortaleza is 9.75 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Fortaleza?+
The approach to Fortaleza is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Titan Breakwater Lighthouse at 1.3 NM to the NE. Other aids include Mucuripe (1.6 NM ESE), Praia do Futuro (2.2 NM ENE), Pecém (21.7 NM WNW), Ponta das Almas (21.7 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Fortaleza on?+
The Port of Fortaleza is situated on the South Atlantic Ocean in BR. The area falls within the equatorial climate zone with warm waters year-round, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Fortaleza?+
You can track vessels near Fortaleza (BRFOR) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for BRFOR on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Fortaleza?+
The Port of Fortaleza operates in the UTC-3 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Fortaleza?+
FORTALEZA (UN/Locode: BRFOR), Brazil is a seaport located at approximately -3.71448° N, -38.49648° E.
Where is the Port of Fortaleza located?+
Coordinates: -3.71448° N, -38.49648° E. Nearby terminals/ports:PECEM — UN/Locode: BRPEC — -3.53213° N, -38.80311° EPARACURU — UN/Locode: BRPRU — -3.39741° N, -39.01771° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Fortaleza?+
Depths: maximum draft approx. 9.75 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Fortaleza?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Fortaleza?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): not available; air services: not available; rail: not available; ETA message: not required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: not available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: not available; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Fortaleza?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo and Tanker.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Fortaleza?+
Ship suppliers include Consegi Ship Service, TROPICAL SHIP SUPPLY LTD. - BRAZIL and Golf Ship Solutions + more.