Cayo Arcas, Mexico
Cayo Arcas is a vital offshore terminal in the Gulf of Mexico, serving as a key hub for Mexico’s petroleum exports.
Port Overview
Cayo Arcas is a very small offshore terminal located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Campeche. It ranks as one of Mexico’s key petroleum export hubs, primarily serving as a deep-water transshipment point for crude oil. The port’s strategic importance lies in its role within the national energy logistics network, enabling efficient transfer of petroleum to international markets. While Cayo Arcas does not handle containerized cargo and thus has no annual TEU capacity, it accommodates ultra-large crude carriers and supports significant volumes of oil exports.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Cayo Arcas, Mexico, is an offshore oil terminal in the Bay of Campeche. Its main facilities include two Single Point Mooring (SPM) buoys, one fixed-arm loading facility, and a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) unit. The terminal is specialized for crude oil export and does not have conventional cargo terminals, container yards, cranes, or automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Operations are focused on offshore tanker loading rather than general cargo handling.
Container Terminals
Cayo Arcas, Mexico does not have container terminals; it is an offshore oil transshipment facility operated by Pemex. The terminal features multiple offshore berths dedicated to crude oil loading, with capacity for ultra-large crude carriers up to approximately 290,000 DWT. There is no container handling infrastructure, automation, or major container operators present, as the port exclusively serves petroleum logistics and export operations.
Port Services
- Cargo operations: Specialized in offshore crude oil loading and unloading via multiple platforms and subsea pipelines.
- Ship services: Pilotage, tug assistance, longshore services, navigation equipment, electrical and mechanical repairs, emergency response, and maritime safety protocols.
- Customs: Regulatory compliance and customs clearance for petroleum exports.
- Container handling: Not available; the port is not equipped for containerized cargo.
- Warehousing: No warehousing facilities; operations are offshore and focused on direct ship-to-ship or ship-to-pipeline transfers.
Global Connectivity
Cayo Arcas is an offshore petroleum terminal in the Gulf of Mexico, primarily serving Mexico’s oil export sector. It connects directly to major ports such as Pajaritos and Dos Bocas, facilitating crude oil shipments to North America, Europe, and Asia. The terminal is positioned on key shipping routes linking Mexican production fields with international energy markets, supporting the Gulf region and global petroleum trade.
Port Statistics
Port: Cayo Arcas, Mexico
TEU Throughput: Not applicable (primarily an oil terminal, no container operations)
World Ranking: Not ranked among container ports
Number of Berths: Offshore oil berths (exact number not specified, Pemex-operated)
Area: Offshore terminal, no defined land area
Shipping Lines: Serves oil tankers; no regular container shipping lines—mainly handles petroleum exports for Pemex
Cargo Volume: 20.6 million metric tons (2020)
Vessel Traffic: Over 300 vessel visits per year
