Mazatlan, Mexico
Mazatlán, Mexico: Vibrant Pacific port famed for its beaches, historic center, and thriving fishing industry.
Port Overview
Mazatlán is a major Pacific port city located in the state of Sinaloa, northwestern Mexico. It ranks among the top 50 Mexican cities by population, with around 492,400 residents in 2025. Strategically positioned on the Pacific coast, Mazatlán serves as a key gateway for trade between Mexico, Asia, and the U.S. West Coast. While not among Mexico’s largest container ports, Mazatlán handles approximately 60,000 to 70,000 TEUs annually, supporting regional commerce and agricultural exports.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Mazatlán’s main port facilities include the multipurpose Terminal Marítima Mazatlán (TMAZ), featuring a 1,300-meter berth with 12.2-meter depth. The port handles containers, vehicles, general cargo, and bulk goods, with a capacity of 80,000 TEU annually. Key equipment includes three mobile harbor cranes (MHCs). The port does not currently use automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Facilities also support cruise ships, ferries, and have dedicated areas for storage and logistics.
Container Terminals
Mazatlán’s container terminal features approximately 12 berths with a total quay length of around 1,300 meters. The annual container handling capacity is about 250,000 TEU, though current throughput is significantly lower. Automation is limited, relying mainly on modern cargo handling equipment like mobile harbor cranes and reach stackers rather than advanced automated systems. The major operator is Hanseatic Global Terminals, managing the multipurpose TMAZ terminal under a long-term concession.
Port Services
- Container handling: Facilities for loading, unloading, and storage of containers, including refrigerated container connections for perishable goods.
- Cargo operations: Handling of general cargo, bulk, project cargo, vehicles, steel, and agricultural products.
- Ship services: Bunkering (marine fuel supply), lube oil, pilotage, vessel assistance, and shipyard facilities.
- Warehousing: Storage and custody of goods, including free storage days and specialized refrigerated storage.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance for efficient import and export processing.
Global Connectivity
Mazatlan, Mexico is a key Pacific port with direct shipping routes to Asia, the Mediterranean, and major markets in the European Union, Africa, and South America. It is connected by road and rail to the Northern Economic Corridor, efficiently serving central and northern Mexico, including Monterrey and the Bajío region. The port’s multimodal links and proximity to the Mazatlan-Matamoros highway facilitate rapid cargo movement to the U.S. border and beyond.
Port Statistics
Mazatlán, Mexico – Key Port Statistics (2025):
- TEU throughput: Approximately 80,000–90,000 TEU annually, with recent growth driven by new intermodal and container services.
- World ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top 100 container ports; considered a secondary Pacific port in Mexico.
- Number of berths: 7 commercial berths.
- Port area: About 70 hectares.
- Shipping lines: Served by major regional and international lines, including CMA CGM, MSC, and Baja Ferries, with strong rail connectivity via Ferromex.
