Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico – Mexico is investing $3 billion to expand the Port of Manzanillo, aiming to place it among the world’s top 15 container shipping hubs. Situated on the Pacific Coast, the port has grown significantly, driven by regional mining and its pivotal role in trade between China, Mexico, and the U.S.
As Mexico strengthens its position in global supply chains, Manzanillo has become a key link, facilitating assembly operations that combine Chinese components with finished products bound for U.S. markets. This expansion will enhance its capacity and global significance.
The ambitious project, announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum on November 20, will quadruple the port’s capacity, increasing it from 3.9 million to 10 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. It will also expand the port’s footprint from 1,112 acres to 4,448 acres and deepen the Bay of Cuyutlán to accommodate larger container ships.
“This modernization marks a historic step for Mexico’s trade and logistics,” President Sheinbaum stated, highlighting the project’s potential to elevate Manzanillo’s status to rival ports in Los Angeles and Taiwan.
Transformative Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability
The expansion includes constructing four specialized terminals for containers, hydrocarbons, general cargo, and storage. Enhanced infrastructure will feature a new railway terminal and an upgraded road network, including a reversible four-lane highway to optimize land logistics.
Notably, the project prioritizes sustainability. Plans include solar panels, wind energy, and electric cranes to minimize carbon emissions. A dedicated thermal power plant will ensure efficient energy use while reducing ecological impact.
Economic Growth and Global Impact
Scheduled for completion in 2030, the expansion is projected to generate $488 million USD in annual revenue and create 65,000 jobs. It will cement Manzanillo’s role as a critical link in global trade, meeting the growing demand for goods and strengthening supply chains between China and the Americas.
Currently handling 316,000 TEUs monthly and generating $156 million annually, Manzanillo’s transformation will elevate it into a global logistics powerhouse, driving economic growth and solidifying Mexico’s position in international trade.
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