About us
Our History
Until 1974, the Figueiredo Group – a then-prominent regional family enterprise with diverse interests in the maritime and shipping sectors – served as the sole correspondent for Protection and Indemnity (P&I) clubs and hull underwriters whose entered ships operated in Southeastern Brazilian ports. At the time, the ‘P&I Department’ was one of many departments within the company.
Recognising the growing demands of the P&I industry, in 1975, 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 Figueiredo Group, PROINDE operated with complete operational and decision-making autonomy.
The name PROINDE is an acronym for Protection and Indemnity, reflecting our core mission from the very outset.
Understanding the need for greater administrative and financial independence to invest in staff training and remain competitive in a 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 sustainably:
- 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 Representações Proinde (Belém) Ltda. in the small town of Barcarena (Belém), home to the busy port of Vila do Conde, in the Eastern Amazon. This office also serves the riverports of Santana (Macapá), Santarém, and Trombetas, among others.
- 2023: The launch of Representações Proinde (São Luís) Ltda. in São Luís to enhance service delivery across Brazil’s “Northern Arc” ports, particularly the local seaports of 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 rooted in a steadfast commitment to the highest ethical standards and professional excellence. We remain dedicated to a People-Centric, Service-Oriented, and Solution-Driven approach, reaffirming our core values and identity.
Learn more about What We Do.
