International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has marked a new operational milestone in Latin America with the arrival of CMA CGM Alexander Von Humboldt at Contecon Manzanillo S.A. (CMSA) in Mexico and Sociedad Puerto Industrial Aguadulce (SPIA) in Colombia.
The 396 metre long vessel with a carrying capacity of 16,000 TEU is the first of its size in Latin America to operate on a regular basis.
The Asia Central South America 1 (ACSA1) service, which connects Asia and Latin America, is operated by CMA CGM Alexander Von Humboldt.
José Antonio Contreras, CMSA Chief Executive Officer, said: “With the historic arrival of the CMA CGM Alexander Von Humboldt, Mexico is at the gates of a new era in maritime transport, increasingly larger ships that enhance economies of scale and cost optimisation.
“We have prepared for this moment in recent years, designing and sizing our terminal to be able to serve these ships. It is our obligation to ensure that Mexican foreign trade has competitive and efficient maritime logistics.
“As a strategic partner in the history of growth in Mexico, Contecon Manzanillo recognised the importance of its role as an engine of economic progress.”
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Due to SPIA’s capacity and shipping lines’ trust in its infrastructure and service, the terminal has become the major destination for the most significant ships arriving in Colombia.
Álvaro Otero, SPIA General Manager, stated: “The arrival of this vessel represents an important step forward for SPIA in Buenaventura, Colombia, and in general, for Latin America.
“It demonstrates that SPIA has the experience, talent and optimal conditions that allow it to adapt to new port and maritime dynamics of the world, making our terminal visible for the arrival of future larger vessels.”
In February, CMSA became the first carbon neutral-certified organisation in the Mexican port industry.
Four months later, CMSA handled the first carbon-neutral container in North America.
