LÁZARO CÁRDENAS, MICH. – APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas has taken a momentous step in global maritime trade with the inauguration of Operation Gemini Cooperation , featuring an innovative Simultaneous Transshipment Connection never before seen in the world.
This innovative double-handling model represents a milestone in port logistics, enabling the transfer of containers between vessels, optimizing time, costs, and operational efficiency.
With the launch of this operation, Lázaro Cárdenas consolidates its position as a key point within Gemini’s modular network , receiving TP11 and TP15 services, with a pioneering operation that not only transforms the way cargo moves through the port, but also places Mexico at the forefront of global maritime trade.
“What makes this operation unique is that, for the first time in the world, a simultaneous double transfer between two vessels is being carried out at the same terminal. We’re not just talking about a step forward for our company, but an achievement for the entire maritime industry,” explained Beatriz Yera, general manager of APM Terminals Mexico, during the opening ceremony.
This speech was reinforced by Vice Admiral Heliodoro Álvarez , Director General of the National Port System Administration (Asipona) Lázaro Cárdenas , who mentioned that this achievement not only benefits the port or the country, but also marks a before and after in the history of international trade.
For his part, Captain Manuel Fernando Gutiérrez, general coordinator of Ports and Merchant Marine , highlighted that the Gemini Cooperation operation strengthens Mexico’s competitiveness in global trade .
“This joint operation not only optimizes the loading and unloading of goods, but also increases the efficiency of the national port system. It reflects the confidence the private sector has in our ports and demonstrates Mexico’s potential as a world-class logistics hub,” he stated.
The Gemini Cooperation operation is the result of a strategic collaboration between the shipping companies Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd , and, according to Beatriz Yera, this transaction makes Lázaro Cárdenas a key player within a select global network.
“They chose us out of the entire American continent; there are only four terminals in this service network, and one of them is Lázaro Cárdenas. Every weekend, we’ll carry out a simultaneous transshipment operation. This hasn’t been done before; it’s the first time it’s been done in the world, and it’s going to be in Mexico and at APM Lázaro Cárdenas,” the executive emphasized in an interview with T21.
He stated that one of the key factors that made this operation possible in Lázaro Cárdenas is the port’s advanced infrastructure and its capacity to receive deep-draft vessels .
In addition, APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas is the only terminal in Latin America with automated yards , allowing for more agile and secure cargo management.
Likewise, the port’s geographic location and connectivity allow shipping companies to offer shorter transit times between Asia and the East Coast of the United States, the director of APM Terminals Mexico told this outlet.
In this regard, during the opening ceremony, Gloria María Huerta Ramírez, Director of Social Security and Employment Promotion for the Ministry of Economic Development of the Michoacán government, emphasized that the port’s rail integration represents a key advantage.
“A container that touches our dock can travel directly to the industrial heart of the United States or Canada without changing rail companies. This makes us more attractive compared to other ports, driving cargo arrivals, investment, and business opportunities,” he said.
Preparing for this milestone
The model allows containers from one service to be transferred directly to another and vice versa, without intermediate storage. This simultaneous connection streamlines the logistics chain, reduces costs for shipping companies, and optimizes transit times to their final destinations.
In this regard, Yera commented that this Gemini Cooperation operation has required months of preparation and testing , so the challenge was not only technical, but also logistical and organizational.
“Simulations were conducted with pilots, tugboats, and crane operators, in addition to multiple meetings with shipping companies and clients to fine-tune processes. We also worked closely with customs and port authorities to ensure the safety and efficiency of the process,” Beatriz Yera stated.
Two weeks into this operation, Yera noted that the operations have been planned. “Each ship is planned according to the destination, according to the weight of the containers, but one of the things we’ve learned is that if the ships arrive on time, we can deliver a smooth operation that meets the expectations of the shipping lines and end customers,” he said.
Expansion and strengthening of the terminal
To meet growing demand and continue attracting more services, APM Terminals is undergoing the second phase of expansion of its terminal in Lázaro Cárdenas.
This project, which began in September 2023 with an investment of more than $150 million , seeks to increase operational capacity and improve infrastructure with new cranes and specialized equipment.
“We are investing in new gantry cranes, yard support equipment, and shuttle carriers. In December, we received 14 new shuttle carriers, new yard cranes will arrive in May, and in August, we will add our eighth gantry crane. This will allow us to operate more efficiently and better respond to market needs,” Yera explained.
The expansion phase will be completed by February 2026 and will allow APM Terminals to handle increased cargo volumes and attract new transcontinental services.
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