Port terminals and operators in Manzanillo have united to create the Association of Terminals and Operators of Manzanillo (ASTOM).
ASTOM aims to enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of Mexico’s most important port through improved connectivity, process optimisation and innovation, all guided by the principles of social and environmental responsibility.
Contecon Manzanillo S.A. (CMSA), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Mexican subsidiary, comprises the alliance together with Grupo Carrix – SSA, Ocupa, and Friman; Hazesa, Corporación Multimodal and TAP Terminals.
CMSA will lead ASTOM for the next couple of years through José Antonio Contreras, CMSA Chief Executive Officer and ASTOM President.
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“Customers and users have given us their trust, and it’s our responsibility as an association to seek the constant development of the Port of Manzanillo, and with this, continue helping and accompanying Mexican foreign trade and its growth,” said Contreras.
He added: “We must continue to improve and grow, which is why the second northern access to the port is being built, and why we are expanding the capacity of the Specialized Container Terminal II by 40 per cent, among other investments.”
Indira Vizcaíno Silva, Governor of Colima, emphasised that the state will collaborate with ASTOM to push an essential social agenda in order to establish a more competitive, equitable, and sustainable economy.
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Silva said: “I applaud the creation of ASTOM as I believe it will quickly become a voice that allows us to expedite respectful discussions and decision-making.
“We have enormous challenges to tackle, and need to talk about the enormous opportunities that lie before us.”
The Port of Manzanillo handles 40 per cent of the containers that enter and exit Mexico, and 70 per cent of import cargo that arrive on the Pacific coast according to ICTSI.
More than 90 per cent of the activity at the port is facilitated by members of ASTOM.
