Manzanillo terminal gains deeper vessel access

Contecon Manzanillo S.A. de C.V. (CMSA), the Mexican subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), has secured approval to handle container vessels with drafts of up to 15.5 metres, strengthening the Port of Manzanillo’s ability to accommodate larger ships.

The authorisation makes CMSA the only terminal operator at Manzanillo currently able to receive vessels of this size. The terminal can now serve ships up to 400 metres long, including ultra large container vessels with capacity for as many as 24,000 teu.

“This authorisation reflects the investments we have made to strengthen the terminal,” said José Antonio Contreras, CMSA chief executive. “It also marks an important step toward our goal of achieving a 17-metre operational draft at our new berths, which will allow us to accommodate larger vessels and handle higher cargo volumes.”

The approval comes as Administración del Sistema Portuario Nacional Manzanillo continues dredging and basin-conditioning works designed to improve access for deeper-draft vessels. The infrastructure programme is expected to support the port as shipping lines increasingly deploy larger vessels on major international trade routes.

“As vessel sizes continue to increase, terminals must ensure they have the infrastructure needed to support them,” Contreras said. “This approval expands our ability to serve larger ships and supports the next stage of the terminal’s development.”

CMSA has continued expanding its handling capacity following completion of Phase 3A in 2025, which increased annual capacity to more than 1.77 million teu. Capacity has since reached approximately 1.8 million teu per year.

The terminal is now progressing with Phase 3B of its expansion programme. The project includes an additional 227 metres of quay, two new quay cranes and nine rubber-tyred gantry cranes.

CMSA currently operates 12 quay cranes and 43 rubber-tyred gantries, alongside other container and cargo-handling equipment. Once Phase 3B becomes operational, annual terminal capacity is expected to increase to 2 million teu.