Background on Key Figures and Relevance
On August 2, 2021, the Puerto del Norte in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, commenced operations as a new maritime logistics infrastructure aiming to drive development in Mexico’s Northeast region. The port is expected to significantly impact shipping times and competitiveness for businesses in Nuevo León, Coahuila, and San Luis Potosí.
Américo Villarreal Anaya, the Governor of Tamaulipas, played a crucial role in the inauguration. He emphasized that this new port would establish Tamaulipas as Mexico’s new maritime frontier, highlighting the support from President Claudia Sheinbaum and Secretary of Marina, Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles. José Miguel Bejos, President of Mota Engil México’s Board of Directors, and Javier García Bejos, Director of Special Projects Latin America at Mota Engil, were also present.
Impact on Shipping Times and Business Competitiveness
The Puerto del Norte aims to streamline the shipping process for products from Nuevo León, Coahuila, and San Luis Potosí. One of the most significant benefits is the reduction in transportation time for automobiles from Monterrey to just 4.5 hours, saving up to 5 hours compared to the Altamira port.
Mota Engil’s Vision for the Puerto del Norte
Mota Engil, the company awarded the concession for Puerto del Norte, envisions the terminal as a driving force for trade, an energy development hub, an industrial park pole, a new maritime frontier for the Northeast, a symbol of well-being, and a reflection of Mexicans’ confidence in the future.
Javier García Bejos, Director of Special Projects Latin America at Mota Engil, announced that the company plans to invest over 4,000 million pesos in the coming years to solidify this new maritime terminal.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
Capitán Manuel Fernando Gutiérrez Gallardo, Coordinating General of Ports and Merchant Marine of the Navy Secretariat, expressed his best wishes for “favorable winds and seas” for this new venture.
Gutiérrez Gallardo acknowledged the culmination of extensive planning, studies, construction, and an unprecedented coordination effort among federal agencies, state and municipal authorities, private investors, and civil society.
Gustavo Guzmán Fernández, Director General of Integral Administration-Tamaulipas, confirmed that the Puerto del Norte is currently a viable, possible, and clear project.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is behind the Puerto del Norte project? The Puerto del Norte project is led by Mota Engil, a multinational construction and engineering company, with support from the Tamaulipas state government and various federal agencies.
- What are the primary goals of Puerto del Norte? The port aims to reduce shipping times, enhance competitiveness for businesses in the Northeast region, and stimulate economic development.
- How much investment is Mota Engil planning for the Puerto del Norte? Mota Engil plans to invest over 4,000 million pesos in the coming years to consolidate the new maritime terminal.
- What is the significance of Puerto del Norte for Mexico’s Northeast region? The port is expected to play a crucial role in the region’s development by improving logistics, reducing transportation times, and fostering business growth.
