MEXICO: Contecon Manzanillo mobilizes 4 million TEUs with ICTSI

Amid the uncertainty is whether semi-automation of the AMPT terminal in the port of Lazaro Cardenas could affect the rapid growth of cargo handling in Manzanillo. The growing demand for goods by the Mexican middle class and the ability to connect with US consumers will favor the transit of merchandise through the Pacific.

The container terminal Contecon Manzanillo (CMSA) in the Port of Manzanillo, Mexico has achieved its first milestone, mobilizing four million TEUs since its acquisition by the international port operator Terminal de Container (ICTSI) in 2009.

The milestone of the ICTSI subsidiary is due to investments aimed at expanding Mexico’s largest commercial door in the Pacific and improving the fluidity of the port.

CMSA recently began the second phase of expansion of the terminal yards and entrance and exit doors.

In 2015, ICTSI embarked on a USD 260 million project to expand the capacity of the terminal. Once completed, CMSA’s handling capacity will increase from the current 1.2 million TEUs to 1.6 million TEUs, the company said. Updates are expected to be completed in 2020.

The arrival of two more dock cranes and five yard cranes, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2019, will allow CMSA to service larger vessels that navigate intra-Pacific routes, according to ICTSI.

“We are very pleased to announce these additional investments aimed at securing Manzanillo’s position as Mexico’s main maritime gateway,” said Fortino Landeros, executive director of the ICTSI CMSA subsidiary.

“Together with more investments in port equipment and systems, we continue to work hand in hand with our clients to improve the efficiency of our operations and processes, and inevitably make their experience more enjoyable.”