Ensenada, Mexico

Port Overview

Ensenada is located in northwestern Baja California, Mexico, just 110 kilometers south of the U.S. border on the Pacific coast. As the only deepwater port in Baja California, it ranks as one of Mexico’s busiest and most important ports, serving as a strategic gateway for trade between Mexico, the United States, and Asia. The port handles both cargo and cruise traffic, with an annual container throughput of approximately 143,000 TEU. Its proximity to major shipping routes and the U.S. border enhances its role in regional and international logistics.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Ensenada’s main port facilities include two key cargo terminals—a multipurpose terminal and a bulk cargo terminal—plus a dedicated cruise terminal and marina. The port handles containers, bulk commodities, and general cargo, with 13 berths and 6 piers. Equipment includes mobile harbor cranes and container handling gear; however, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not currently in use. The port also features bonded warehouses, shipyards, and customs facilities.

Container Terminals

Ensenada, Mexico’s main container terminal, operated by Hutchison Ports, has two berths: one 300 meters long (15.5m depth) and one 186 meters (10m depth). The terminal’s annual capacity is approximately 300,000 TEUs, with plans to expand to 400,000 TEUs. Automation is moderate, featuring modern cranes and RTGs but not fully automated operations. Hutchison Ports is the primary operator, managing most containerized cargo through the Ensenada International Terminal.

Port Services

• Container handling: Specialized terminals for loading, unloading, and storage of containers.
• Cargo operations: Bulk, general, and refrigerated cargo handling, including consolidation and deconsolidation.
• Ship services: Berthing, mooring, piloting, refueling, technical inspection, maintenance, and waste collection.
• Warehousing: On-site storage facilities for various cargo types, including refrigerated and general goods.
• Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services for import and export cargo.

Global Connectivity

Ensenada, Mexico is strategically connected to major Pacific ports in Asia, North America, and South America, serving as a gateway for trade between Mexico, the U.S. West Coast, and Asian markets. The port supports container, bulk, and cruise traffic, with direct road links to Baja California and the southwestern United States. Key shipping routes include transpacific services to Asia and coastal routes to U.S. and Latin American ports, making it a vital hub for regional and international logistics.

Port Statistics

Port of Ensenada, Mexico – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU throughput: Approximately 320,000 TEU annually
• World ranking: Not in the global top 100 container ports
• Number of berths: 7 commercial berths
• Area: 50 hectares
• Shipping lines: Serviced by major carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and COSCO

Ensenada is a key Pacific gateway for Mexico, supporting both container and cruise operations.