Background and Relevance
The Port of Manzanillo, located in Colima, Mexico, has recently achieved a significant milestone by recording an unprecedented 979,451 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in the first quarter of 2025. This accomplishment positions Manzanillo as the leading port in Mexico, surpassing Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán (595,947 TEUs) and Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz (279,937 TEUs).
Growth and Contributions
The port’s cargo movement increased by 2.2% compared to the same period in 2024, contributing to a national growth rate of 3.1%. In the first quarter of 2025, Mexican ports handled a total of 2,283,070 TEUs, according to the monthly accumulated statistics of Mexican ports.
- Export Growth: 43% of the total cargo was exports, which saw a 6.4% increase from 2024.
- Import Growth: 42% of the total cargo was imports, experiencing a 3.6% rise from the previous year.
- Transhipment: The remaining 15% of cargo movements involved transhipment, or the transfer of cargo between vessels.
Vessel Arrivals and Cargo Types
During the first three months of 2025, 404 vessels arrived at the port, with 270 (67%) carrying containerized cargo. The size and capacity of these vessels have also increased, with 30 ships exceeding 366 meters in length and capable of transporting 13,000 to 20,000 TEU’s. Three of these vessels surpassed 396 meters in length.
- Containerized Cargo: The port handled a significant amount of containerized cargo, accounting for 43% of the total movements.
- Petroleum Products: 39 vessels arrived carrying petroleum products.
- Bulk Mineral Cargo: 37 vessels brought bulk mineral cargo.
- General Cargo: 43 vessels transported general cargo.
- Agricultural Cargo: 10 vessels delivered agricultural cargo.
- Cruise Ships: 5 cruise ships docked at the port, showcasing its versatility in handling diverse cargo types.
Sustainability Initiatives
The Port of Manzanillo is committed to sustainable practices, particularly in reducing emissions. By utilizing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) on vessels, the port has achieved a 99% reduction in sulfur and fine particulate emissions, an 85% decrease in nitrogen oxide emissions, and a 23% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as reported by the Association of Terminals and Operators of the Port of Manzanillo (ASTOM).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Port of Manzanillo’s achievement? The port has set a new record for containerized cargo movements, with 979,451 TEUs in the first quarter of 2025.
- Why is this significant? This accomplishment positions Manzanillo as the leading port in Mexico, surpassing Lázaro Cárdenas and Coatzacoalcos.
- What types of cargo does the port handle? The Port of Manzanillo manages containerized cargo, petroleum products, bulk mineral cargo, general cargo, agricultural cargo, and cruise ships.
- How is the port promoting sustainability? By using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) on vessels, the port has significantly reduced various emissions, including sulfur, fine particulates, nitrogen oxides, and greenhouse gases.
