Mexico’s largest semi-automated terminal, APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas, has received its first official vessel call after completing the first phase of the terminal.
The 9,600 TEU capacity Maersk Salalah on the AC2 Transpacific service from Asia docked at the terminal (pictured), which occupies an area of 49 hectares, with a quay of 750 meters in length for ships and a depth of 16.5 metres.
This is deep enough to receive some of the world’s largest ships.
The final phase of the terminal buildout, which will bring the total investment cost to US$900 million, is scheduled to happen between 2027 and 2030 to increase the terminal’s water depth to 18 metres and create a quay 1.5 kilometers long in a total area of 102 hectares.
It will have a capacity of 4.1 million TEUs and be operated by 15 STS cranes and 10 rail tracks, providing intermodal access by five rail tracks and offering gate services for land-side customers.
Mexico handles Latin America’s third largest container volume, behind only Brazil and Panama. This will be APM Terminals second terminal in Mexico after Yucatan.
Jose Rueda, Managing Director for APM Terminals in Mexico, said: “The technology in this terminal will bring increased predictability and efficiency to our shipping line customers, whilst ensuring the highest levels of safety for our employees and supply chain partners.”
“With the capacity to receive the world’s biggest ships and provide additional connectivity inland via our terminal at Cuautitlan Izcalli, in the industrial zone of Mexico City which is surrounded by over 200 onward distribution centers, we are in a unique position to facilitate trade for the country.”
