About us

Our History

Until 1974, the Figueiredo Group, a then-prominent regional family-owned enterprise with diverse interests in the maritime and shipping sectors, served as the sole correspondent for Protection and Indemnity (P&I) clubs whose entered ships operated in Southeastern Brazilian ports. The ‘P&I Department’ was one among multiple departments within the company.

Recognising the growing demands for the P&I industry, the Figueiredo Group established an independent limited liability company, Representações Proinde Ltda., dedicated to delivering expert P&I correspondent services in the bustling port of Santos. While initially integrated within the Group, PROINDE operated with complete operational and decision-making autonomy.

The name “PROINDE” is an acronym of Protection and Indemnity, reflecting our core mission from the outset.

Understanding the need for greater administrative and financial independence to invest in staff training and remain competitive in the rapidly evolving shipping environment, PROINDE required a structural shift. Although the Figueiredo Family acknowledged this necessity, they chose to focus on other core businesses. Consequently, in early 1993, the control and ownership of Representacoes Proinde Ltda. were fully transferred to its current Management. The Rio de Janeiro branch office was succeeded by a connected yet legally and financially independent company, Representações Proinde (Rio) Ltda.

Driven by a commitment to serve its principals effectively, PROINDE strategically expanded its network:

2005: The establishment of Representações Proinde (Nordeste) Ltda. in Recife and Representações Proinde (Norte) Ltda. in Manaus to serve Northeastern seaports and Western Amazon riverports, respectively. These strategic expansions aimed to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Brazil’s diverse port landscape and vast territory.

2018: The opening of the Representações Proinde (Bélem) Ltda. was opened in the small town of Barcarena, home to Vila do Conde port, near Belem, a rapidly developing riverport in the Eastern Amazon.

2023: The launch of Representações Proinde (São Luís) Ltda. in São Luís to enhance service delivery across Brazil’s Northern Arc ports, particularly São Luís, Itaqui, and Ponta da Madeira.

Today, with more than half a century of experience navigating the complexities of the sector, PROINDE has cultivated unparalleled expertise in its field, rooted in a steadfast commitment to excellence. The company remains dedicated to a people-centric, service-oriented, solution-driven approach to doing business, reaffirming its core values and identity.

Learn more about What We Do.