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Construction is under way on the US$230-million third phase expansion of Contecon Manzanillo terminal, the Mexican asset of International Container Terminal Services Inc.
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The expansion aims to increase CMSA’s capacity from 1.4 million TEUs to more than 2 million TEUs within the next five years
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CMSA has already invested $122 million in port equipment
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The project will expand the Port of Manzanillo’s operational capacity into the largest on Mexico’s Pacific Coast
International Container Terminal Services Inc’s (ICTSI) Mexico unit Contecon Manzanillo (CMSA) has begun a third-phase expansion that will increase the terminal’s 1.4 million-TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) capacity to more than 2 million TEUs within the next five years.
ICTSI in a statement said the investment plan for 2022-2025 would exceed US$230 million. The project mainly involves upgrading the shipping and terminal infrastructure, storage yards and equipment.
The capacity increase to 2 million TEUs will position Contecon Manzanillo as the largest terminal in the Port of Manzanillo on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, according to ICTSI, which also operates the Manila International Container Terminal.
CMSA has invested 2.4 billion Mexican pesos (around $122 million) in port equipment since starting operations, contributing more than $238 million to Mexico’s port infrastructure and generating jobs for more than 1,200 people, said ICTSI.
With these actions, CMSA reaffirms its commitment to the development of the state of Colima and its people, as well as enhance the Port of Manzanillo’s position as a strategic point for Mexico’s supply chain, ICTSI added.
The expansion will enable the Port of Manzanillo – Mexico’s gateway to the Pacific Ocean – to grow its operational capacity and cater to the country’s current and future foreign trade requirements.
“Manzanillo is the most important node of international logistics on the Pacific Coast of Mexico and it will continue to be so,” CMSA chief executive José Antonio Contreras said.
“We are convinced that this expansion, as well as the construction of land access to the northern zone of the terminal and the acquisition of new inspection equipment for Customs, will consolidate and strengthen the port’s position among competitors.
“This port is designed to meet present and future needs, as well as handle 400-meter-long ships. If the port wins, we all win – from our clients to the families of our employees.”
Contreras led the project inauguration along with Colima Governor Indira Vizcaíno Silva, Mexican Navy Secretary Admiral José Rafael Ojeda, Commander Rubén Alfonso Suárez of the 10th Naval Region, and ASIPONA Manzanillo (Administración del Sistema Portuario Nacional de Manzanillo) General Director Salvador Gómez Meillón.
“We agree to the objective of expanding the port to make it more efficient, and also to preserve the well-being of Colima’s population in general,” Silva said.
“This expansion will serve the growing demand that persists in the Port of Manzanillo, which will undoubtedly reflect better employment opportunities and living conditions not only for the people of Manzanillo, but also for the people of Colima.”
CMSA’s expansion will create more than 600 new direct jobs in addition to the existing 1,200 employees, along with 11,600 indirect jobs, making the company one of the most committed employers in Colima, according to ICTSI.
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