Contecon Manzanillo breaks 12M TEU milestone

Contecon Manzanillo, the subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) operating Specialized Container Terminal II at the Port of Manzanillo, Mexico, has surpassed 12 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) since it began operations in 2013. The milestone highlights the terminal’s role as a key gateway for international containerized trade in Mexico.

The achievement stems from the continued confidence of shipping lines, customers, and commercial partners, supported by robust operational capacity, high logistical efficiency, and the terminal’s strategic location.

Outperforming other ports

In 2025, Contecon Manzanillo recorded a 10.5 percent increase in import volumes and a 12.5 percent rise in exports, outperforming other ports along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Since 2023, the terminal has invested over $300 million in its Phase 3A and 3B expansions, which boosted yard and berth capacity and added specialized handling equipment. With total investment reaching $900 million, these upgrades have extended the terminal’s capacity and strengthened its role in Mexican trade.

“The dynamism of trade with Asia has been fundamental to the development of the terminal. Over the past four years, imports from the region–particularly from China–have grown by more than 70 percent, driven by Manzanillo being the first port of call and its proximity to the country’s main production centers,” said Contecon Manzanillo chief executive officer, Jose Antonio Contreras.

Moving in the right direction

“Reaching the 12 million TEU mark confirms that we are moving in the right direction at a critical moment as our expansion project enters its final stage. This milestone prepares us to operate with a capacity exceeding 2 million TEUs annually, reinforcing our commitment to efficiency, growth and the development of trade in Mexico,” he added.

With the completion of Phase 3 of its expansion, Contecon Manzanillo now operates 1.3 kilometers of berths and is equipped with advanced machinery, including quay cranes with a 60-meter outreach and hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes. These improvements enable the terminal to accommodate vessels up to 400 meters in length with a 24,000 TEU capacity, while ensuring operational efficiency and safety.