Jalisco, Mexico

Port Overview

Jalisco is located in western Mexico, ranking as the seventh-largest state. It covers approximately 30,346 square miles and is strategically important due to its industrial and agricultural output. The state's capital, Guadalajara, is a major industrial hub. However, Jalisco's port capacity is not as prominent as other coastal states, with its main economic focus on manufacturing and agriculture rather than maritime trade. The state's strategic importance lies in its central location and economic contributions to Mexico's overall GDP.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Jalisco, Mexico, is primarily served by the Port of Manzanillo, one of the country’s largest and busiest maritime gateways. Manzanillo features extensive container terminals, specialized bulk and general cargo facilities, and is undergoing significant expansion, including the new Cuyutlán terminal. The port is equipped with modern gantry cranes, reach stackers, and straddle carriers for efficient container handling, though automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not yet a prominent feature. Customs and logistics infrastructure are being upgraded to support growing trade volumes and multimodal connectivity.

Container Terminals

Jalisco itself does not have a major container terminal; instead, it relies on the nearby Port of Manzanillo in Colima for international container traffic. Manzanillo features 17 berths, a capacity exceeding 3 million TEUs annually, and is undergoing expansion to reach nearly 10 million TEUs by 2030. The port uses modern handling equipment but is not fully automated. Major operators include SSA México, Hutchison Ports, and Contecon.

Port Services

Main services at Jalisco, Mexico ports include:

• Container handling for import and export cargo.
• General cargo operations for various goods.
• Ship services such as fueling, water supply, waste disposal, and vessel maintenance.
• Warehousing facilities for short- and long-term storage.
• Customs clearance and border control for international shipments.

Global Connectivity

Jalisco is directly connected to the Port of Manzanillo, Mexico’s busiest Pacific port, via a modern highway network, enabling same-day cargo movement between the port and Jalisco’s industrial centers. This connectivity serves central and western Mexico and links to major U.S. markets through key trade corridors to Laredo, Texas, and Nogales, Arizona. Shipping routes from Manzanillo provide access to Asia, North America, and Latin America, supporting efficient global trade.

Port Statistics

Port: Manzanillo (Jalisco, Mexico)

• TEU Throughput (2023): 3.69 million
• World Ranking: Approximately 60th globally
• Number of Berths: 19
• Port Area: 437 hectares
• Shipping Lines: Served by major global carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, and Evergreen

Manzanillo is Mexico’s busiest container port and the primary gateway on the Pacific Coast, handling nearly half of the country’s containerized cargo.