MSC adds CMSA to Mexico service

The Mediterranean Shipping Company has included the International Container Terminal Services Inc.'s Mexico unit, Contecon Manzanillo SA, in its Santana service rotation after terminating its westbound call at Lazaro Cardenas.

The move underscores CMSA's critical role in making Manzanillo Mexico's premier gateway for international commerce, ICTSI said in a statement on Wednesday.

MSC's termination of its westbound call at Lazaro Cardenas also underscores Manzanillo's status as the gateway of choice for Mexican trade to the Far East, the ICTSI said.

"Our partnership with MSC and their strategic decision to prioritize Manzanillo highlight the critical role we play in facilitating efficient trade flows. 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," said Jose Antonio Contreras, Contecon Manzanillo chief executive officer.

The adjustment in the Santana service, which connects the Far East and the East Coast of the United States, started with the recent maiden call of the 13,102-TEU MSC VEGA to Manzanillo.

MSC vessels will return from Norfolk to Thailand via the Suez Canal as part of the change, leading to the termination of the westbound call at Lazaro Cardenas.

However, the Santana service will continue to make regular eastbound way calls at the Port of Manzanillo.

The revised port rotation is as follows: Laem Chabang, Cai Mep, Ningbo, Shanghai, Busan, Manzanillo, Cristobal, Caucedo, New York, Norfolk, Laem Chabang.

While a mix of vessels with capacities ranging from 6,350 to 15,000 TEUs is currently deployed, future schedules indicate sailings exclusively featuring 13,100 to 15,000 TEU neopanamax vessels, emphasizing MSC's commitment to efficiency and capacity.

Meanwhile, CMSA is investing $230 million in the upcoming expansion phase over the next two years. This initiative is set to add over one million TEU capacity to the port, further solidifying its position as a vital trade gateway.

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.