All Other Mexico East Coast Region Ports, Mexico
Key gateway ports along Mexico’s east coast drive regional trade, industrial growth, and global connectivity.
Port Overview
The All Other Mexico East Coast Region Ports are located along the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean coasts, including ports such as Coatzacoalcos, Tuxpan, Progreso, and Campeche. These ports are generally smaller than Veracruz and Altamira, serving regional cargo, oil, agricultural exports, and cruise traffic. While not among Mexico’s top container ports, they play a strategic role in supporting local economies, energy exports, and coastal trade. Annual TEU capacity at these ports is modest, typically ranging from several hundred to a few thousand TEUs, with most focusing on bulk and general cargo rather than large-scale container operations.
Facilities & Infrastructure
All Other Mexico East Coast Region Ports: Main Facilities
The primary East Coast ports are Veracruz and Altamira. Veracruz is Mexico’s oldest and largest Gulf port, featuring advanced terminals for containers, automobiles, and agricultural bulk, with modern scanning and security infrastructure. It is a key hub for automotive exports and handles diverse cargo via rail and road links. Altamira, north of Tampico, offers multi-use terminals for containers, bulk, chemicals, and liquefied gas, with extensive land area for industrial development. Both ports are equipped with heavy-lift cranes, efficient cargo handling systems, and direct connections to major national and international trade corridors.
Container Terminals
All Other Mexico East Coast Region Ports with container terminals include Altamira, Progreso, and Coatzacoalcos. Altamira has 5 container berths, a capacity of over 820,000 TEU annually, and is semi-automated, operated mainly by SSA México and Grupo Logra. Progreso is smaller, with 1-2 berths, limited automation, and operated by API Progreso. Coatzacoalcos has 1 container berth, low automation, and is managed by API Coatzacoalcos.
Port Services
- Container handling: Facilities for loading, unloading, and storage of containers, including specialized terminals and modern equipment.
- Cargo operations: Handling of general cargo, bulk goods, vehicles, and project cargo with dedicated terminals for each type.
- Ship services: Provision of bunkering, ship repair, pilotage, towage, and waste management.
- Warehousing: On-site storage options for various cargo types, including bonded and temperature-controlled warehouses.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services to facilitate import and export processes.
Global Connectivity
Connectivity Overview
Mexico's East Coast ports beyond the major facilities serve regional cargo flows along the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. These smaller ports connect to approximately 125 Atlantic basin ports, facilitating trade with North, Central, and South America, Europe, and Africa. They serve southern and central Mexican regions through highway and rail networks linking to key industrial centers. Primary shipping routes focus on Gulf Coast trade corridors, with connections extending to US markets via border crossings and domestic transportation infrastructure. The ports handle diverse cargo including bulk commodities, petrochemicals, and general cargo, supporting regional economic development and cross-border commerce.
Port Statistics
All Other Mexico East Coast Region Ports handle an estimated annual TEU throughput of approximately 1.2–1.5 million, ranking outside the global top 50 container ports. These ports collectively offer around 20–30 berths and cover a combined area of roughly 60–80 hectares. Major international shipping lines such as Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd operate regular services. Facilities support container, bulk, and general cargo operations.
