In response to the growing volume of ships coming from Asia and to meet the demand of its customers, the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas announced the expansion projects that are underway and the investments made by the different terminals operating in the port, which together amount to 542 million dollars.
Among the projects under construction, the expansion of the specialized container terminals operated by Hutchison Ports and APM Terminals stands out, with an investment of US$350 million and US$165 million, respectively. Both projects will increase operating capacity and improve cargo transit times at the container terminals.
Hutchison Ports will begin the third expansion phase in 2025, which consists of the development of 28 additional hectares and the arrival of new specialized equipment to increase its operational efficiency. APM Terminals started the operation of the Simultaneous Transshipment Connection, a pioneer in the world, which optimizes port operations and reduces the length of stay of vessels, as part of the Gemini Cooperation, a collaboration between two major shipping companies, which places the Port of Lazaro Cardenas as a regional logistics hub.
Terminales Portuarias del Pacífico (TPP), a bulk mineral and steel products terminal, will invest 544 million pesos (US$27 million) in the construction of eight storage tanks with a total capacity of 475,000 barrels, in response to growing demand from the energy sector. In addition, SSA Marine Mexico, the first automotive terminal in the country, will expand its infrastructure with 36,616.32 square meters, guaranteeing 1,700 additional spaces, which will increase its dynamic capacity. In addition, in June of this year, construction will be completed on the external yard at Isla de la Palma, which will have 10.5 hectares, with capacity for 4,918 units, strengthening the storage and distribution capacity of vehicles.
In terms of rail cargo, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) de México optimized two new rail routes to increase the cargo moved through the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas. A direct connection to the U.S. Midwest allows a transit time of only eight days to Chicago, and a route to Texas reduces shipping times from Asia to Dallas, avoiding congestion on the East Coast and the Panama Canal. These improvements speed transit times and offer more competitive options.