Mexico, Mexico

Port Overview

Mexico is located in southern North America, bordered by the United States to the north, and the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea along its extensive coastlines. It is the 13th largest country in the world, covering approximately 1.96 million square kilometers. Strategically, Mexico serves as a vital link between North and South America and is a key player in global trade, with major ports on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Its annual container throughput exceeds 7 million TEU, supporting significant international commerce.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Mexico’s main port facilities include Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, and Veracruz. Key terminals handle containers, bulk cargo, automobiles, and liquids. Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas feature deep-water berths for post-Panamax vessels, advanced gantry cranes, and automated systems. Facilities include large storage silos, bulk mineral terminals, and specialized automotive terminals. Modern ports are equipped with container handling cranes, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and extensive warehousing, supported by strong rail and road connectivity for efficient inland distribution.

Container Terminals

Mexico has several major container terminals, primarily at Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, Veracruz, and Altamira. These ports collectively offer over 30 container berths, with Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas being the largest, each handling over 3 million TEUs annually. Automation levels are increasing, especially at Lázaro Cárdenas and Manzanillo, with investments in automated yards and digital customs. Major operators include APM Terminals, Hutchison Ports, and SSA México.

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern container terminals with advanced equipment for efficient loading, unloading, and storage.
• Cargo operations: Handles a wide range of cargo types including bulk, breakbulk, vehicles, and general merchandise.
• Ship services: Offers bunkering, ship repairs, provisions, and technical support.
• Warehousing: Provides secure storage facilities and tailored warehousing solutions for various cargo needs.
• Customs: Full customs clearance services, documentation processing, and regulatory compliance support.

Global Connectivity

Mexico is a key logistics hub with major ports on both the Pacific and Gulf coasts, including Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, Veracruz, Altamira, and Ensenada. These ports connect industrial regions like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and the Bajío to global markets. Mexico’s ports offer direct shipping routes to Asia, North America, Europe, and Central America, supported by extensive rail and road links for efficient inland distribution.

Port Statistics

Mexico – Key Port Statistics (2022–2023)

• TEU Throughput: 8.3 million TEU (2022)
• World Ranking: Not in the global top 20; Lázaro Cárdenas is the highest-ranked Mexican port, appearing in the Lloyd’s List Top 100
• Number of Berths: Major ports (e.g., Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, Veracruz, Altamira) collectively offer over 50 container berths
• Port Area: Main container ports range from 400 to 1,000 hectares each
• Shipping Lines: Served by all major global carriers, including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, and Evergreen