Yucatan, Mexico

Port Overview

Yucatán is a state in southeastern Mexico, occupying the northern half of the Yucatán Peninsula, bordered by Campeche, Quintana Roo, and the Gulf of Mexico. It covers approximately 39,500 square kilometers, making it Mexico’s 20th largest state by area. Strategically, Yucatán is a key gateway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, with Mérida as its economic and cultural hub. While the region is renowned for tourism and Mayan heritage, its major ports, such as Progreso, handle moderate container traffic; however, specific annual TEU capacity figures for Yucatán’s ports are not typically published, reflecting their focus on bulk, cruise, and regional trade rather than high-volume container operations.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Yucatan’s main port, Progreso, features a specialized container terminal operated by APM Terminals, a major grain terminal, cruise and ferry facilities, and a Pemex hydrocarbon terminal. The port is undergoing significant modernization, including new mobile harbor cranes, expanded cold storage, upgraded yards, and advanced telematics and security systems. The 4.11-mile pier and deep-water channel support large vessels. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not currently mentioned as part of the equipment.

Container Terminals

Yucatán’s only container terminal is at Puerto Progreso, operated by APM Terminals. The terminal features 10 berths, with the container terminal itself handling around 150,000 TEU annually. It is undergoing modernization with investments in advanced technology and partial automation, including automated gates. APM Terminals is the major operator, focusing on efficiency and sustainability to support regional growth and international trade connectivity.

Port Services

• Container handling: Specialized container terminal with ship-to-shore cranes for efficient loading and unloading.
• Cargo operations: Facilities for general cargo, bulk cargo (including grain and hydrocarbons), and multi-purpose berths.
• Ship services: Bunkering, stevedoring, vessel and rig repair, and support infrastructure for ship maintenance.
• Warehousing: Dry storage, refrigerated storage, and secure warehousing for various cargo types.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance and inspection services to facilitate import and export processes.

Global Connectivity

Yucatan, Mexico’s main port, Progreso, offers robust connectivity as a deep-water Gulf of Mexico hub. It serves the Yucatan Peninsula and southeastern Mexico, linking to major U.S. ports like Houston and Panama City, as well as Altamira, with regular shipping routes operated by global lines such as CMA CGM, Maersk, and ZIM. Progreso’s routes connect Yucatan to key markets in the United States, Europe, Central, and South America.

Port Statistics

Port: Progreso, Yucatán, Mexico
TEU Throughput (2024/25): Approximately 15,224 TEU (import containers, 2025), with total throughput growth of 10% year-on-year
World Ranking: Not in the Lloyd’s List Top 100 Ports; regional significance
Number of Berths: 7 commercial berths
Port Area: Approximately 40 hectares
Shipping Lines: Served by major carriers including Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd
Notes: Undergoing major expansion and modernization, with significant public and private investment to increase capacity and efficiency.