According to The Loadstar, Mexico’s Pacific container ports are experiencing rapid growth, with Manzanillo handling 2,455,953 TEU in the first seven months of the year — a 11.7% year-on-year increase — while Lázaro Cárdenas recorded 1.34 million TEU, up 6% in the same period.
Record Volumes and Infrastructure Pressures
Lázaro Cárdenas’ overall throughput rose 16% over the first half of 2025, despite an 8% drop in vehicle imports. Meanwhile, APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas reported 35% growth in container volume for the first half of the year, climbing from 508,506 TEU in January–June 2025 to 684,599 TEU. At Manzanillo, Contecon terminal handled 1,022,182 TEU in the first seven months — a 20.1% rise — contributing to the port’s total box throughput of 2,455,953 TEU.
ULCV Readiness and Equipment Upgrades
Last month, Contecon Manzanillo obtained clearance to accommodate vessels with drafts up to 15.5 metres, enabling it to serve ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) of up to 23,000 TEU — making it the only terminal on Mexico’s Pacific coast authorized for such ships. To support this capability, Contecon took delivery of six super post-Panamax cranes in January: three configured to move 18 containers across a ship’s deck, and three capable of handling vessels with up to 22 containers across.
Customs Bottlenecks and Operational Disruptions
Customs capacity remains a critical constraint. In late July, a downpour triggered a power outage that disabled customs systems at Manzanillo, halting operations and causing a backlog of approximately 5,000 trucks on the highway leading to the port. A year earlier, a customs staff strike caused massive delays, prompting cargo owners to reroute shipments through Lázaro Cárdenas. At that port, inspection delays in April left some containers stuck for up to 30 days, with storage fees applying after 15 days.
Infrastructure Investment and Construction Risks
ASIPONA, the national port system administration, launched a MX$1.729bn investment programme in early June, focusing on road access improvements to Lázaro Cárdenas. The initiative includes widening a key alternative route from two to four lanes and expanding a bridge — aiming to separate port-related traffic from local flows. However, ASIPONA has warned that active construction zones may become choke points for cargo movement during implementation.
Peak Performance Amid Coordination Efforts
Despite systemic pressures, Contecon Manzanillo achieved a record throughput of nearly 4,000 containers in just 48 hours on 20–21 August, supported by extended customs operating hours and round-the-clock terminal access. Contecon Manzanillo CEO José Antonio Contreras emphasized that this performance was made possible by prior infrastructure investments and close coordination with customs authorities — underscoring the interdependence of physical upgrades and institutional alignment.
Source: The Loadstar
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
