Contecon Manzanillo has received approval to handle vessels with drafts of up to 15.5 metres, opening the terminal to ultra large container vessels.
The ICTSI-operated facility is now the only terminal at the Port of Manzanillo with this capability.
The approval allows Contecon Manzanillo to handle ships up to 400 metres long, including containerships with capacities of up to 24,000 TEUs.
The approval comes as the National Port System Administration Manzanillo continues dredging and basin works for deeper-draft vessels.
Contecon Manzanillo, also known as CMSA, has been investing in its infrastructure to accommodate larger ships.
“This authorization reflects the investments we have made to strengthen the terminal,” said José Antonio Contreras, CEO of CMSA.
The terminal’s next target is an operational draft of 17 metres at its new berths.
According to Contreras, this would allow CMSA to accommodate even larger vessels and handle higher cargo volumes.
CMSA completed Phase 3A of its expansion programme in 2025.
The project initially increased annual capacity to more than 1.77 million TEUs. Capacity has since risen to approximately 1.8 million TEUs per year.
The company is now moving ahead with Phase 3B.
This phase will add 227 metres of quay. CMSA will also acquire two quay cranes and nine rubber-tired gantry cranes.
The terminal currently operates 12 quay cranes and 43 rubber-tired gantry cranes, along with other cargo-handling equipment.
Once Phase 3B becomes operational, CMSA expects its annual capacity to reach 2 million TEUs.
The expansion comes as shipping lines continue to deploy larger containerships on major trade routes.
CMSA said the latest approval strengthens its ability to serve these vessels and supports the next stage of the terminal’s development.
