The Grupo CICE Semi-Specialized Container and Cargo Terminal , located in the North Bay of the port of Veracruz, opened a new operational stage with the commissioning of two Liebherr P180 LS Multipurpose Rail Cranes (GPR) , equipment with which the company expands its capabilities to serve maritime services and perform maneuvers with different cargo configurations.

The integration of the equipment progressed from the installation phase to commercial operation with the service of two shipping lines. The first was ALTAMIRA EXPRESS, operated by CMA CGM , with the arrival of the vessel ELBBRIDGE ; while the second crane became operational with the ZIM GULF TOUCAN service, operated by ZIM Integrated Shipping Services , during the stopover of the SPYROS V.

With these operations, both teams were formally integrated into the work scheme of the North Bay terminal, expanding the resources available to respond to the needs of the shipping lines that call at this facility in the port of Veracruz.

One of the key features of the new cranes is precisely their versatility. The Liebherr P180 LS cranes have a safe lifting capacity of up to 65 tons and can reach up to 80 tons using Twin Lift operations, a configuration that allows for the simultaneous handling of two containers.

For operations requiring higher capacities, the cranes can work in tandem , handling loads between 80 and 100 tons. This feature is particularly relevant for a facility that, in addition to container handling, is designed to handle project cargo, where the dimensions and weights of the components require different operational configurations than those used in conventional containerized cargo handling.

In addition, it has a capacity of up to 20 rows of containers , a feature that expands the possibilities for serving vessels and strengthens the terminal’s capacity to meet the demands posed by the evolution of maritime services.

The addition of the equipment also has a technological component. The GPR cranes are equipped with ROS systems for remote operation , as well as Active Front End technology, which allows for energy recovery during certain phases of crane operation. In this way, the expansion of physical capabilities is accompanied by tools designed to optimize maneuvers and the performance of port operations.

The commissioning of the two cranes is thus integrated into the operational development of the Semi-Specialized Container and Cargo Terminal Project of Grupo CICE in Bahía Norte, an infrastructure from which the company seeks to increase its capacity to respond to the dynamics of maritime services that connect the port of Veracruz with different markets.

Beyond adding two pieces of equipment to its infrastructure, its commissioning expands Grupo CICE’s options for handling different types of maneuvers from the same terminal, both for containerized cargo and for operations that demand greater lifting capacities.

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Grupo CICE is participating in one of the most important cargo operations that its Multipurpose Terminal, located in the South Bay of the port of Veracruz, has had this year, with the export of 782 railcars to Saudi Arabia .

The project, developed for Kuehne + Nagel Forwarding and with merchandise manufactured by The Greenbrier Companies Inc. , contemplates the export of tank cars intended for the transport of phosphoric acid, as well as husky- type container cars for 40-foot units, with a total estimated volume of 20,658 tons of cargo.

The operation originates from manufacturing plants located in Tlaxcala and Ciudad Sahagún, from where the equipment is transported by rail to the port of Veracruz , Grupo CICE reported in a statement.

Once at the terminal, Grupo CICE receives and unloads the railcars, temporarily stores them, moves them alongside the ship, and maneuvers them for subsequent maritime shipment to Saudi Arabia.

The first batch of the operation consisted of 38 tank cars , while subsequent shipments will consist of between 30 and 40 units per ship , with an approximate frequency of one week between each operation.

This dynamic requires coordination between rail transport, port operations and maritime service to maintain the continuity of the project.

The operation also demonstrates the Port of Veracruz’s capacity to handle specialized cargo that requires processes different from conventional container handling. According to the Veracruz National Port System Administration (Asipona) , the port has facilities for general cargo, containerized cargo, and bulk cargo, as well as handling services for various types of goods.

“With 35 years of experience, celebrated on August 1st, Grupo CICE continues to offer its clients the operational capacity, infrastructure and logistical knowledge developed since 1991 for the handling of projects related to foreign trade,” the company highlighted.

Through operations like this, Grupo CICE strengthens its participation in global logistics chains and helps connect Mexican industry with strategic markets in different regions of the world, consolidating the Gulf of Mexico as a key platform for foreign trade and the movement of specialized goods.

The movement of the railcars takes place in a port that maintains a significant share of TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) operations. According to statistics from the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine (CGPMM) , the Port of Veracruz handled 99,592 TEUs in April 2026, a 14.3% decrease compared to the same month in 2025. Despite this decline, the port remains key to Mexican foreign trade.

For Grupo CICE, this project adds to a strategy of diversifying services in project cargo and oversized cargo.

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Grupo CICE celebrates its 35th anniversary at a time when the company is seeking to consolidate its position beyond its origins as a port operator. The celebration coincides with a period of infrastructure expansion, integration of logistics services, and new investments that reflect a strategy aimed at strengthening its participation in the supply chains connecting Mexico with international markets.

Since beginning operations on August 1, 1991 , as the first Mexican-owned port operator, the company has evolved into a model that integrates port, logistics, and land transportation services. According to the company, this transformation has responded to the evolving needs of national and international trade and the growing demand for comprehensive solutions that support the movement of goods.

Grupo CICE’s evolution is also reflected in its most recent investments. The company recently inaugurated its Semi-Specialized Container and Project Cargo Terminal in the North Bay of the Port of Veracruz , an infrastructure that expands the operational capacity of the country’s main commercial port and which it subsequently reinforced with a new phase of expansion focused on increasing storage capacity and handling of specialized cargo.

This growth was complemented by obtaining the Made in Mexico Distinction , awarded by the Ministry of Economy , for its logistics services, a recognition that supports the development of national capabilities in a strategic sector for foreign trade and that strengthens the company’s position within the logistics market.

For Leoncio Pérez López, CEO of Grupo CICE, the company’s evolution is based on a philosophy that has accompanied its development since its creation.

“Having been created to provide service, CICE has continually sought more and better ways to contribute to the development of foreign trade and Mexican industry . It has been the driving force behind our development and the horizon of our vision. Being the Most Complete Option is not a slogan, it is a commitment,” he stated.

The company states that this vision has allowed it to strengthen capabilities, expand its presence, and develop comprehensive solutions supported by the experience of its staff, innovation, and continuous improvement—factors it considers fundamental to responding to an increasingly demanding and competitive logistics environment.

With this anniversary, Grupo CICE also reaffirms its commitment to continue investing in innovation, sustainability, and the integration of logistics solutions to address the evolving dynamics of global trade. Under this strategy, the company seeks to consolidate a platform capable of connecting port services, transportation, and logistics with a long-term vision, at a time when supply chain efficiency has become a key differentiator for the competitiveness of Mexican foreign trade.

Currently, Grupo CICE supports its operations with a workforce of over 2,500 employees and an infrastructure that includes port terminals in Veracruz (North Bay and South Bay), Tampico, and Altamira, where it collectively handled more than six million tons of cargo in 2025. In addition, it has a logistics and warehousing network with a presence in Veracruz, the State of Mexico, and Monterrey, whose expansion aims to strengthen warehousing, transactional logistics, and 3PL solutions for supply chains. Furthermore, it has a trucking division with more than 170 owned vehicles , which complements its door-to-door service offerings.

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Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) began operations of its new regular PAMEX service at the Grupo CICE Semi-Specialized Container and Project Cargo Terminal , located in the North Bay of the Port of Veracruz.

The service officially began on July 4th with the docking of the MSC KEY F vessel , marking the start of a weekly containerized cargo operation aimed at serving import and export markets.

According to information released by Grupo CICE , the PAMEX service will initially consist of the ships MSC KEY F and MSC NORDEROOG , and includes four weekly calls that will strategically connect the ports of Veracruz, Altamira and Cristóbal, with the aim of expanding logistical options for foreign trade.

The addition of this service strengthens the maritime connectivity of the Port of Veracruz and expands the range of services offered by the Grupo CICE terminal in the North Bay to support foreign trade operations.

Grupo CICE stated that the incorporation of the PAMEX service is part of its strategy to strengthen port infrastructure and services, as well as maintain alliances with international shipping lines operating in Mexico.

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The Mexican Association of Logistics Operators (AOLM) announced the addition of Grupo CICE as a new member, an integration that strengthens its community of 3PL companies and adds experience to the collaborative work that drives the development of the logistics sector in the country.

According to the association, the arrival of new logistics operators not only represents institutional growth, but also the consolidation of a space where good practices, knowledge and experiences are shared with a positive impact on the supply chain.

In this regard, Mónica García-Escudero , general manager of AOLM, pointed out that the integration of Grupo CICE brings capabilities and experience that contribute to the strengthening of the organization and the industry as a whole.

AOLM brings together logistics operators with a vision focused on continuous improvement, sectoral dialogue, and building solutions that strengthen Mexico’s logistics competitiveness in an increasingly strategic environment for the country’s economy.

For his part, Rodrigo Cruces , managing director of Grupo CICE, expressed that the company is enthusiastically joining one of the most important associations in the sector,

“We reaffirm our commitment to actively collaborate, share best practices and combine capabilities to promote the development of the AOLM and the strengthening of Mexico’s logistics, competitiveness and sustainability,” he said.

With this addition, AOLM continues to expand its network of operators and strengthen joint work to face current and future logistics challenges in Mexico.

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In a move that reinforces its commitment to modernizing the Mexican port system, Grupo CICE added two multipurpose rail cranes to the equipment of its Semi-Specialized Container and Project Cargo Terminal in the North Bay of the port of Veracruz, consolidating an additional phase of expansion that responds to the growing logistical demands of foreign trade.

Last Monday, January 19, the vessel UHL FELICITY arrived at the port terminal carrying the components for the new Liebherr P180 LS cranes , whose assembly is scheduled to be completed during the first quarter of this year. Subsequently, the units will enter their operational testing and performance evaluation phase before being formally integrated into the vessel handling system before the end of the second quarter.

These cranes represent a significant advancement for the terminal: they have a safe lifting capacity of 65 tons, can operate up to 80 tons in Twin Lift mode or even 100 tons in Tandem configuration, and can handle up to 20 rows of containers, enabling them to service large-scale container ships. Furthermore, they incorporate remote operating systems (ROS) and energy recovery technology (Active Front End) , elements that pave the way for more efficient and competitive operations.

The integration of this equipment – which will coexist with the already operational multipurpose rubber-tired cranes from manufacturers such as Liebherr and Konecranes-Gottwald – is part of an operational flexibility strategy that seeks to optimize the maneuvering of ships and the provision of port services, both for containerized cargo and for project cargo.

This development takes place within the framework of the second stage of the Semi-Specialized Container and Cargo Terminal Project , whose commissioning was announced in December 2025 and involved the enabling of an eight thousand square meter (m²) CFS warehouse, 350 connections for refrigerated containers and 570 additional positions for storage, aimed at streamlining cargo flows both LCL and FCL and improving entry and exit times under customs standards.

The terminal, which covers an area of ​​more than 22 hectares with 550 linear meters of dock and dynamic capacity to handle hundreds of thousands of 20-foot containers (TEU), has been conceived from its origin as a key component to strengthen the competitiveness of the port of Veracruz , one of the most important logistics hubs in Mexico due to its connectivity with markets in Europe, South America and the east coast of the United States.

This momentum is also anchored in the broader context of the logistics sector, where Veracruz seeks to consolidate its position as a modern hub for port services in response to structural pressures such as nearshoring and the demand for more resilient and efficient supply chains. Within this framework, the expansion of Bahía Norte is seen not only as a physical expansion, but also as a strategic reconfiguration of the port space that enables greater operational capacity without compromising safety standards or service times.

The arrival of the new cranes is part of a series of investments and expansions by Grupo CICE that began with the commissioning of the first phase in April 2025. This next phase positions the Bahía Norte terminal as a leading player in national port competitiveness. In an environment where operational efficiency is increasingly demanded by global supply chains, the modernization of infrastructure and equipment—such as that promoted by Grupo CICE—translates into a tangible improvement in the port’s capacity to respond to growing volumes of international trade .

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CICE Group , a port and logistics services provider, received the “Port Financing of the Year” award for the financing of its Semi-Specialized Container and Project Cargo Terminal, located in the North Bay of the port of Veracruz.

The recognition, granted by LatinFinance , a specialized media outlet in banking, investment and infrastructure in Latin America, highlights that the financing operation for 210 million dollars (mdd) represents a precedent for the Mexican port sector, being the first banking transaction aimed at the construction, equipment and operation of a greenfield port terminal (developed from its initial stage in a new area of ​​the port area).

With this investment, Grupo CICE reaffirmed its commitment to the country’s economic and logistical development , consolidating the port of Veracruz as a strategic hub for Mexican foreign trade, while strengthening Mexico’s position on the global stage through comprehensive and sustainable solutions that drive connectivity and efficiency in supply chains .

“LatinFinance’s recognition of the Bahía Norte project reflects Grupo CICE’s strength, vision, and leadership in the transformation of the national port system and its role in strengthening the country’s foreign trade,” Grupo CICE emphasized in a statement.

According to the company, the financing was structured  without sovereign backing or the participation of multilateral organizations; that is, it did not have government guarantees or the support of international financial institutions .

“The financial scheme, led by  Banco del Bajío  as the agent bank and with the participation of  Banorte , Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior (Bancomext) , Ve por Más (BX+) ,  Monex and Multiva , was aimed at strengthening the confidence of lenders through instruments such as trusts, corporate guarantees and the monetization of future flows. Additionally, FIRA contributed a long-term fixed-rate tranche, helping to mitigate risks and balance the project’s financial structure,” he explained.

The transaction combined revenue from Grupo CICE’s established activities with projected future cash flows from the new terminal, enabling a blended brownfield-greenfield financing structure that integrates operating assets with new investments under development.

“The financial structuring was handled by  Latam Capital Advisors  as the structuring agent, while  Santamarina y Steta  served as legal advisor to Grupo CICE, and  CMS Woodhouse Lorente Ludlow served as legal advisor to the participating credit institutions,” the firm explained.

It is worth remembering that the CICE Bahía Norte Terminal began operations in April 2025 and today it is consolidated as one of the most modern port infrastructures in the country, receiving the main shipping lines at a global level , serving container services under a regular import and export scheme, including multimodal yards, warehouses, cold storage rooms and a two thousand meter railway connection, designed to reach a dynamic capacity of up to 500 thousand 20-foot containers (TEU) per year.

(Main photo taken from https://home.grupocice.com/ ) .

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On the path to establishing itself among the country’s top 10 logistics operators by 2035, Grupo CICE has taken a strategic step in its transportation division. The appointment of Alfredo Alejandro Romo Godínez as the new general manager of CICE Transportes marks not only a change in management, but also the beginning of a period of expansion, technological innovation, and sustainability that seeks to respond to the new demands of foreign trade and comprehensive logistics in Mexico.

With more than 15 years of experience in management positions at companies such as Trucka, Interceramic, US Xpress, En-trega, and La Huerta, Romo arrives with in-depth knowledge of key segments: dry, refrigerated, consolidated, and oversized cargo . “We seek to improve operational efficiency, strengthen customer service with the support of new technology, and contribute to reducing our carbon footprint,” Romo said in his presentation, emphasizing that employee well-being will be a key part of the results.

The strategy includes the opening of new market divisions, a refrigerated maritime transport segment, and terminals in Guadalajara, Manzanillo, and Monterrey . These moves support CICE Transportes’ long-term vision: to offer comprehensive logistics solutions that go beyond the port, with the capacity to respond to the challenges of competitiveness and sustainability.

The legacy

The change follows the retirement of Víctor Aguilar Ruíz, who led CICE Transportes for 15 years and guided its transformation from an initial fleet of 32 used trucks and 32 dump trucks in 2009 to an operator with a national presence and sustained recognition. Under his leadership, the company reached a milestone with the opening of its base in the State of Mexico, a decision that enabled it to compete in one-way services and become a strategic partner for major shipping companies in the country.

Aguilar leaves behind not only numbers, but an organizational culture. One of his greatest prides was the creation of an internal operator school, a response to the structural operator shortage in the country. This project allowed for the development of its own talent and left one of the most valuable marks of his administration: trusting people, investing in their development, and opening up career paths for them within the company.

In Aguilar’s own words, CICE Transportes’ purpose goes beyond simply transporting goods: “It’s not just about moving cargo, but about offering solutions that truly respond to what each client values, whether it’s security, speed, or just-in-time compliance , because behind every operation there is trust, relationships, and a shared future.”

A solid path towards 2035

The vision for the future under Romo’s leadership is based on the implementation of advanced management systems, digital tools, and optimized processes that seek to increase productivity while simultaneously reducing the company’s environmental footprint. This approach aligns with the CICE Group’s long history of establishing itself over nearly 35 years as a comprehensive logistics operator, integrating land transportation, port maneuvers, and customs services.

The challenge now will be to capitalize on Aguilar’s legacy and keep CICE Transportes in the Top 100 transportation companies , where it has been for nine consecutive years, while preparing to climb the rankings. With its sights set on 2035, Grupo CICE aims to enter the national Top 10 and strengthen its role as a strategic partner in the supply chains that connect Mexico to the world.

Veracruz as a compass for expansion

This management change is occurring in parallel with other strategic moves by the group. At the beginning of 2025, Grupo CICE inaugurated the first phase of its semi-specialized container and mixed cargo terminal in the northern bay of the port of Veracruz , with an estimated investment of seven billion pesos. The terminal has more than 22 hectares, 550 linear meters of dock (350 already built), a draft of 15 meters, two berthing positions, a container yard with a static capacity of at least 13,000 TEUs (20-foot containers) and a dynamic capacity for more than 500,000 TEUs, in addition to areas for refrigerated and hazardous cargo, rail infrastructure, and a wastewater treatment plant.

This project aims to consolidate Veracruz as a strategic hub in the Gulf of Mexico and reflects Grupo CICE’s ambition to expand its logistics footprint. In this context, Romo’s arrival at CICE Transportes is aligned with a comprehensive vision: to articulate new port developments with a modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation network that strengthens the company’s position as a leading national logistics operator.

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VERACRUZ, VER.- This historic Mexican port continues to grow its installed capacity. But its significant exposure to the world doesn’t exempt it from facing the challenges of this new chapter in the era of late globalization, where stricter tariff policies are becoming a key bargaining chip in trade negotiations.

At the close of the first quarter of this year, maritime trade showed a negative trend. The port of Veracruz handled a total of 7,155,820 tons of merchandise during the period, representing a 10.1% drop compared to the same period last year, according to data from the port authority. All types of cargo, except general cargo, experienced declines.

Despite this environment, companies like Grupo CICE have invested in the port of Veracruz. Last month, the company inaugurated its semi-specialized container and project cargo terminal in the North Bay, a 22-hectare facility that will allow it to combine operations with its shunting services in the South Bay and reduce vessel wait times from seven to just two days.

For shipping lines like ZIM , an Israeli company, this has become an opportunity due to the connections it has managed to develop with its services from the port of Veracruz. “We are increasingly growing in our various services, especially in exports. We have a service that touches Veracruz and goes to Brazil, we have a service that goes to the Mediterranean, and we also have a service that goes throughout Central America,” Nalina Sankar, general director of ZIM in Mexico, told T21.

The port of Veracruz has maritime connectivity that allows it to connect with 126 ports through 16 shipping lines, mainly to the east coast of the United States (42% share), Europe (31%), Central America and the Caribbean (3%) and South America (16%), according to data from the National Port System Administration (Asipona) Veracruz .

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CICE Group has reached one of its greatest milestones in its 34 years of operations in Mexico, with the launch of its new Semi-Specialized Container and Project Cargo Terminal in the North Bay of the Port of Veracruz, the most important maritime hub for the country.

Leoncio Pérez López, CEO of Grupo CICE, talks in an interview with T21 about the business vision of the business group and the details of the new infrastructure that has taken 13 months of intense work to complete in its first stage, possibly placing it as the port terminal with the fastest construction in time and form , while increasing Mexico’s competitiveness with a facility capable of meeting the needs of current international trade.

Just over 110 Mexican shareholders with experience as customs brokers, shipping agents, and in the land transportation sector laid the groundwork for the group’s formation in Veracruz, Mexico, in 1991, as a port services company. A few years later, it obtained a contract for the partial transfer of rights to operate an 11-hectare multipurpose terminal in the southern bay of the Veracruz port. This was the first multipurpose port facility operating as a bonded facility at the time , but with the limitations of not being able to expand and not having its own waterfront, as it operated only in public docks.

True to this diversified business approach that has characterized them since their founding, they established their vision of becoming “the most comprehensive option in logistics solutions.” The group’s growth led it to expand its service portfolio with the creation of a division specializing in transportation and another in logistics. It has deployed strategic investments to serve its clients in the country’s main industrial and consumer hubs, with extensive warehouses in Veracruz, the State of Mexico, and Monterrey.

“We found a way to do things well, compete, and handle containers without a container terminal,” recalls Leoncio Pérez. Since then, CICE’s growth has been remarkable. By the end of 2024, its operations in the port of Veracruz reached just over 4.4 million tons of merchandise handling, both imported and exported, positioning it as one of the leading mixed cargo and container operators, handling nearly 110,000 boxes during the year.

Growth opportunities are something CICE has taken advantage of. A clear example was its participation in the second tender for the Mixed Cargo Terminal, the last facility to be awarded in the expansion zone of the Port of Veracruz . This occurred after another operator announced an agreement with the then Comprehensive Port Authority (API) Veracruz to voluntarily terminate the Partial Assignment of Rights Contract for said facility early.

This opened the door for CICE to compete for the terminal in a new bidding process , which was declared in its favor in February 2023, after having passed the analysis of the Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE) due to its consolidated presence in the southern bay of the port of Veracruz.

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