ICTSI’S Manzanillo port chosen as Mexican trade gateway

The Port of Manzanillo, which houses the Specialized Container Terminal 2 operated by the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI)’S subsidiary Contecon Manzanillo S.A. (CMSA), was chosen as the preferred eastbound gateway for Mexican trade of the Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) Santana service. According to ICTSI, the MSC has terminated its westbound call at Lazaro Cardenas in favor of Manzanillo, including it in the Santana service port rotation that connects the east coast of the United States to the Far East. Adjustments were made in the Santana service, starting with the recent maiden call of the 13,102-TEU MSC VEGA to Manzanillo. The MSC will integrate calls at US ports in New York and Norfolk, replacing Port Everglades and Baltimore. From Norfolk, vessels will return to Thailand via the Suez Canal. Regular eastbound way port calls will be made at the Port of Manzanillo. The new port rotation will be Laem Chabang,

Cai Mep, Ningbo, Shanghai, Busan, Manzanillo, Cristobal, Caucedo, New York, Norfolk, then Laem Chabang. Currently, vessels with 6,350 to 15,000 TEUS are deployed, but MSC’S future sailings will exclusively utilize 13,100 to 15,000 TEU neopanamax vessels. ICTSI said this development displays the vital role of Contecon Manzanillo’s critical role in facilitating efficient trade flows for international commerce. Contecon Manzanillo CEO José Antonio Contreras said, “Manzanillo is the gateway of choice for trade to the Far East, and we are committed to supporting the growth and success of the Mexican trade industry.” Contecon Manzanillo has invested US$230 million for its expansion phase in the next two years, which will increase the port’s capacity to one million TEU. “As the maritime horizon unfolds with larger vessels and expanded capabilities, Contecon Manzanillo and the ICTSI Group remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing Mexico’s trade landscape. This milestone ushers in an era of renewed growth, innovation and prosperity,” said the shipping firm. (Khriscielle E. Yalao)