International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has announced that its subsidiary, Contecon Manzanillo (CMSA), has coordinated the operation of the first block train for Walmart de Mexico with French carrier, CMA CGM, and Grupo Mexico.
ICTSI runs the Specialized Container Terminal of the North Zone of the Port of Manzanillo in Mexico.
Grupo Mexico is a Mexican transportation company.
The block train transported a total of 216 TEU, 202 of which were unloaded at Walmart’s terminal in Cuautitlàn.
The operation is part of CMA CGM’s third block train service in Mexico.
“The service offers direct routes and takes 29 hours from point to point,” said José Antonio Contreras, Contecon Manzanillo’s CEO.
“This operation enabled us to cut 88.5 tonnes of carbon emissions and help the environment.”
According to ICTSI, this service serves as another achievement for CMSA, which recently obtained certification as Mexico’s first carbon-neutral port.
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Block trains can have a significant impact on container terminal operations in terms of efficiency, throughput, cost savings, and carbon reduction, reported ICTSI.
Trains can move more cargo in a single journey while producing less emissions, compared to using trucks.
In December 2022, the CMSA commenced its third phase expansion project which was set to increase the port’s capacity from 1.4 million to more than 2 million TEU within the next five years.