Altamira, Mexico

Port Overview

Altamira is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Tamaulipas, about 20 km north of Tampico. It ranks as Mexico’s fourth-largest port by container throughput and covers approximately 1,600 acres. Strategically, Altamira serves as a major industrial and logistics hub, connecting northern and central Mexico to international markets, especially for petrochemicals, bulk cargo, and containers. The port handled around 880,000 TEUs annually in recent years, underscoring its significance in Mexico’s maritime trade network.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Altamira, Mexico features key terminals for containers, bulk cargo, petrochemicals, and vehicles. Major facilities include Altamira Terminal Portuaria (ATP) and Infraestructura Portuaria Mexicana (IPM), with over 3,500 meters of quay and 250,000 TEU container capacity. Equipment includes advanced gantry cranes, mobile harbor cranes, specialized bulk handling systems, and newly acquired yard cranes. The port utilizes automated cargo management systems and supports efficient multimodal logistics.

Container Terminals

Altamira, Mexico’s container terminals have five berths dedicated to container operations, with a total annual capacity of around 1.2 million TEU. The terminals feature semi-automated systems, including modern cranes and gate automation, but are not fully automated. Major operators include Altamira Terminal Portuaria (ATP) and Hutchison Ports. The port handles both containerized and general cargo, serving as a key Gulf of Mexico gateway for international trade.

Port Services

• Container handling with advanced gantry cranes and storage for up to 250,000 TEU
• Bulk, general cargo, and specialized RoRo operations
• Ship services including 24/7 stevedoring, bunkering, fresh water supply, vessel repair, and waste management
• Warehousing and vehicle storage facilities
• Customs clearance and logistics support with integrated security and inspection systems

Global Connectivity

Altamira, Mexico is a major Gulf of Mexico port with direct maritime connections to over 125 ports worldwide, including key hubs in the United States, Europe, and South America. It serves northern and central Mexico through robust rail and highway links, supporting automotive, petrochemical, and industrial exports. Regular shipping routes connect Altamira to major markets such as the US East Coast, Europe, and Brazil, making it a strategic gateway for international trade.

Port Statistics

Port of Altamira, Mexico – Key Statistics (2024/2025):

• TEU Throughput: 476,000 containers annually
• World Ranking: Not in the global top 100; among Mexico’s fastest-growing ports
• Number of Berths: 14 commercial berths
• Area: Approximately 3,000 hectares
• Shipping Lines: Served by major carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, and Hyundai Glovis

Altamira is Mexico’s second fastest-growing port, handling significant automotive and LNG volumes, with recent infrastructure expansion and strong connectivity to global shipping networks.