Contecon Manzanillo opens the port to ultra large container ships

Contecon Manzanillo S.A. de C.V. (CMSA), the Mexican unit of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), has become the sole terminal operator at the Port of Manzanillo authorized to handle ultra-large container vessels with drafts of up to 15.5 meters. Supported by ongoing dredging from the port authority and CMSA’s own terminal investments, the facility can now accommodate ships up to 400 meters long with a capacity of up to 24,000 TEUs.

“This authorization reflects the investments we have made to strengthen the terminal,” said José Antonio Contreras, CMSA CEO. “It also marks an important step toward our goal of achieving a 17-meter operational draft at our new berths, which will allow us to accommodate larger vessels and handle higher cargo volumes.”

Following the completion of Phase 3A and an increase in annual capacity to about 1.8 million TEUs, CMSA is actively advancing its Phase 3B expansion. This next stage will add 227 meters of quay and new equipment to further elevate annual capacity to 2 million TEUs, ensuring the port has the vital infrastructure needed to service larger, more efficient vessels on major trade lanes.