APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas reported that it surpassed the mark of one million TEUs (20-foot containers) handled before the end of 2025 , a record that consolidates the operational maturity of the first semi-automated terminal in Latin America and, at the same time, intensifies the discussion about the sufficiency of the Pacific port infrastructure.
The milestone does not occur in a vacuum: it comes after the incorporation of a fully electric super post-Panamax crane in Lázaro Cárdenas just last October and the progress of the modernization program in Progreso, Yucatán – where the group’s second terminal in Mexico is located – actions that already revealed a strategy aimed at accelerating capacity, energy efficiency and regional competitiveness.
According to the company’s press release, the performance is the result of a “solid investment plan” that expanded dock and yard capacity , increased crane productivity, and optimized ground appointment scheduling. This integration allowed for reduced turnaround times and sustained consistent operations even during periods of high variability. In a context where congestion peaks have become structural, the strategy aims to protect operations from increasingly frequent disruptions.
The corporate message emphasizes that the progress is also based on technology and collaboration with clients. “This achievement reflects the effort and dedication of our entire team. Reaching one million TEUs is more than just a number: it represents the consistency with which we strive to operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably ,” said Beatriz Yera, CEO of APM Terminals Mexico , quoted in the company’s press release.
The statement attempts to position the figure as a turning point for the sector, demonstrating that growth can be orderly if there is an operating model capable of absorbing demand without falling into disruptions.
The magnitude of the increase, however, raises questions. For Lázaro Cárdenas, one of the country’s most strategic hubs, the brand reinforces its appeal to shipping lines seeking certainty and consistent lead times , but it also anticipates future tensions regarding capacity, connectivity, and logistics planning. The increase in volumes occurs while other regions of the country undertake parallel expansions, forcing the industry to avoid duplication and prioritize investments where they will truly generate greater resilience.
APM Terminals operates 60 locations in 33 countries, handles more than 27,000 vessels annually, and records 23.2 million TEU movements. In Mexico, the one million TEU mark not only anticipates a strong year-end but also reshapes expectations for the short-term growth rate.
The new electric crane reinforces the transition to cleaner operations, while the modernization in Yucatán demonstrates a commitment to diversifying capabilities and building a more robust network. In a market marked by Asian demand, manufacturing relocation, and pressure to reduce emissions, the company is sending a strong signal: growth is here, and the infrastructure must keep pace.
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