Mexico’s busiest container port Contecon Manzanillo surpasses 12M TEUs

Contecon Manzanillo, International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) subsidiary operating the Specialized Container Terminal II in the Port of Manzanillo, Mexico has handled a cumulative volume of more 12 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) since starting operations in 2013. The milestone underscores the terminal’s role as the country’s leading gateway for international containerised trade, handling nearly 70% of Asian imports entering the country through the Pacific.

The milestone is the result of the continuing trust of customers, shipping lines and commercial partners, combined with a comprehensive strategy based on robust operational capacity, high levels of logistical efficiency and the terminal’s strategic location. These factors enabled Contecon Manzanillo to record the highest container throughput at the Port of Manzanillo. In 2025, the terminal posted growth of 10.5% in import volumes and 12.5% in export volumes despite broadly flat performance across ports along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Since 2023, Contecon Manzanillo has invested more than USD300 million for its Phase 3A and 3B expansion, increasing yard and berth capacity and adding specialized equipment. With a total investment cost of USD900 million, these enhancements have significantly increased the terminal’s capacity and strengthened its position as a catalyst of Mexican trade.

“The dynamism of trade with Asia has been fundamental to the development of the terminal. Over the past four years, imports from the region–particularly from China–have grown by more than 70%, driven by Manzanillo being the first port of call and its proximity to the country’s main production centers,” said José Antonio Contreras, Contecon Manzanillo chief executive officer. 

“Reaching the 12 million TEU mark confirms that we are moving in the right direction at a critical moment as our expansion project enters its final stage. This milestone prepares us to operate with a capacity exceeding 2 million TEUs annually, reinforcing our commitment to efficiency, growth and the development of trade in Mexico,” he added.

Following the completion of Phase 3 of its expansion project, Contecon Manzanillo has significantly strengthened its infrastructure and operational capabilities. The terminal now operates 1.3 kilometres of berths and incorporates state-of-the-art equipment, including quay cranes with an outreach of up to 60 metres and hybrid rubber-tyred gantry cranes. These assets enable the terminal to service vessels up to 400 metres long and 24,000 TEU capacity, while maintaining operational efficiency and safety standards.

In parallel, Contecon Manzanillo has advanced its transition to cleaner technologies by incorporating hybrid equipment that reduce fuel consumption by approximately 50%.  Since 2022, the terminal has maintained its Carbon Neutral Certification under ISO 14064, supported by periodic emissions audits and offsetting actions.

Beyond operations, Contecon Manzanillo also maintains an active community presence. Through initiatives such as the annual Contecon Race for a Cause, which in its most recent edition brough together more than 4,000 participants, the terminal supports basic education programs while promoting tourism in the port and surrounding areas.