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Contecon Manzanillo SA de CV recently welcomed the inaugural call of MSC’s Sierra service, a new route that enhances connectivity between Asia and Mexico
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Sierra is MSC’s second dedicated Far East-Mexico service
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The launch of the new service comes as Contecon Manzanillo continues the fourth phase of its expansion project, an investment focused on increasing terminal capacity and supporting the sustained growth of cargo volumes in the Port of Manzanillo
Contecon Manzanillo SA de CV (CMSA), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) subsidiary operating the Specialized Container Terminal II in Mexico, recently welcomed the inaugural call of MSC’s Sierra service, a new route that enhances maritime connectivity between Asia and Mexico via the Port of Manzanillo.
Sierra is MSC’s second dedicated Far East-Mexico service, providing importers, exporters and logistics providers with additional sailing options and enhanced supply chain flexibility. The port rotation covers Qingdao – Tianjin – Busan – Manzanillo – Lázaro Cárdenas – Qingdao, offering customers improved access to key manufacturing markets in Northeast Asia, ICTSI said in a statement.
The launch of the new service comes as Contecon Manzanillo continues the fourth phase of its expansion project, an investment focused on increasing terminal capacity and supporting the sustained growth of cargo volumes in the Port of Manzanillo.
Earlier, ICTSI said part of the group’s estimated US$740 million capital expenditures for 2026 will be utilized for the completion of phase 3B expansion at CMSA.
“The arrival of this service reflects our commitment to strengthening the terminal’s operational capabilities and creating the conditions for greater connectivity,” CMSA chief executive officer José Antonio Contreras said.
“Our objective is to strengthen Manzanillo’s position as a preferred gateway for global shipping lines and international trade, as well as provide our customers with more efficient and reliable access to key markets,” he added.
According to the Administración del Sistema Portuario Nacional (ASIPONA), the Port of Manzanillo handled more than 1.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) between January and May 2026. ICTSI said the number reinforces Manzanillo’s position as Mexico’s most important logistics hub and a strategic gateway for international trade. The addition of the Sierra service further enhances Contecon Manzanillo’s capability to support Mexico’s foreign trade.
Last February, ICTSI said CMSA handled a cumulative volume of more than 12 million TEUs since starting operations in 2013.
