Maritime transport in Mexico begins 2026 under a combination of structural pressure and strategic opportunity that compels the sector to accelerate decision-making. The relocation of supply chains, the energy transition, and the redefinition of trade routes are reshaping the global landscape, and in this context, the country faces a pivotal year to transform these changes into a real logistical advantage, warned José Manuel Urreta Ortega, president of the Mexican Chamber of the Maritime Transport Industry (Cameintram) .

“During 2026, shipping companies face various challenges determined by the transformation imposed by a supply chain relocation economy and the global decarbonization process of the maritime sector,” the business leader explained, emphasizing that these factors not only increase operational complexity but also redefine Mexico’s competitive position in international trade.

One of the most immediate milestones is the completion of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT), scheduled for June. For the shipping sector, this project marks a turning point in the country’s interoceanic connectivity. “We hope to position this multimodal logistics platform as a strategic alternative to the Panama Canal for trade between the Atlantic and Pacific,” stated Urreta Ortega, envisioning a scenario in which Mexico ceases to be merely a transit territory and becomes a direct link in maritime and land traffic.

This commitment is complemented by a package of port investments that represents the largest share of public resources allocated for 2026. The modernization of the ports of Altamira, Progreso, Lázaro Cárdenas, and Salina Cruz, along with the expansion of the Port of Veracruz and the development of the New Port of Manzanillo , aims to substantially increase the operational capacity of the port system. “We expect to substantially increase the number of maritime operations, as well as reduce times and costs,” stated the president of Cameintram, making it clear that the impact of these projects will be measured in terms of efficiency and competitiveness, not just physical infrastructure.

However, the sector warns that the challenge is not limited to building or expanding ports. For these investments to translate into tangible results, it will be essential to resolve long-standing issues in security, connectivity, and regulation. “It is necessary to implement actions that allow us to increase security and connectivity in cabotage operations,” noted Urreta Ortega , who emphasized streamlining customs procedures and modernizing the fleet as key conditions for short-sea shipping to gain ground against other modes.

Digitalization emerges as another decisive factor in this equation. According to the shipping leader, terminal automation and the adoption of technologies such as the Internet of Things will improve fleet management and real-time cargo monitoring, at a time when logistical efficiency has become a competitive advantage over other countries also seeking to attract flows derived from nearshoring (relocation of production lines to consumption centers).

All of this is happening in an international environment marked by trade uncertainty. Stricter rules of origin and tariff quotas are coexisting with a reorganization of global supply chains and the opening of new maritime routes. “While there is high trade uncertainty at the global level, the global reorganization of supply chains and the reconfiguration of maritime routes such as those in the Arctic continue to represent significant areas of opportunity,” said Urreta Ortega, who emphasized that the outcome of negotiations with the United States, Canada, and the European Union will be crucial for Mexico’s international standing.

The environmental agenda completes the map of risks and opportunities. The president of Cameintram highlighted that Mexico has the potential to become a regional hub for zero-emission marine fuel supplies, taking advantage of the transition to biofuels, electrofuels, and green hydrogen. “Mexico has the opportunity to position itself as a zero-emission marine fuel supply center in Latin America,” he stated, while reiterating the need to advance on the decarbonization path to comply with global agreements promoted by the International Maritime Organization and avoid operational restrictions and increasing regulatory costs.

With this outlook, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Mexican maritime transport: one in which the speed with which projects, reforms, and environmental commitments are translated into concrete results will make the difference between taking advantage of the global moment or falling behind in an increasingly intense logistics competition.

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APM Terminals Lázaro Cárdenas will become the first port terminal in Mexico to operate on 100% renewable electricity starting in the third quarter of 2026, after signing a power purchase agreement with Iberdrola México . The agreement will allow 95% of the energy consumed by the container terminal to come from certified renewable sources, while the remaining 5% will be generated by solar panels that will soon be operational, according to a company press release.

The announcement places the Lázaro Cárdenas terminal in a unique position within the Mexican port system, not only because of the clean energy source, but also because of the type of operation it supports. It is a highly electrified facility , where the automated yard and some of the large-scale equipment—such as the cranes—operate entirely on electricity.

“The signing of this electricity supply contract not only represents a very significant step forward in our decarbonization goals, but also makes us the first terminal in Mexico to operate with 100% renewable electricity ,” said Beatriz Yera, CEO of APM Terminals Mexico , emphasizing that this distinction carries even more weight precisely because of the electric nature of the operation.

The contract includes the acquisition of Guarantees of Origin (GOs) , a mechanism that allows for full traceability and certification that the electricity supplied comes from renewable sources linked to Iberdrola México’s plants. This technical component formally supports emissions reductions and provides verifiable evidence for the terminal’s environmental strategy, in an environment where ESG (environmental, social, and governance) commitments are increasingly being evaluated by customers, shipping lines, and global supply chains.

According to the information provided, the use of renewable electricity will prevent the annual emission of approximately 6,500 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a figure that reflects the direct impact of the energy transition on a port operation with high energy intensity. Beyond the environmental benefit, the reduction in emissions translates into a competitive advantage in the face of the new standards being imposed by international markets and major shippers.

These actions are part of APM Terminals’ global strategy to lead the decarbonization of the terminal industry by accelerating electrification and the use of clean energy. In the case of Lázaro Cárdenas, the decision marks a milestone for the Mexican port sector and anticipates a fundamental shift in how investments in logistics infrastructure are conceived: not only as operational capacity, but also as platforms aligned with the energy transition and the sustainability of global trade.

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The performance of Mexican ports in July 2025 showed a respite in the efficiency of imported cargo trucking.

According to the Average Port Transportation Time Index (ITPAP) , prepared by T21 Business Intelligence, the national average dwell time was 7.9 decimal hours , which represented a -10.5% improvement compared to June. The measurement was based on 2,802 unit movements, a figure that lends statistical strength to the analysis.

This result breaks the upward trend of previous months, although a review of the performance of each port (Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas, Veracruz, and Altamira) reveals disparate realities that question the consistency of the overall improvement.

The ITPAP (Tax and Logistics Information Processing Unit) gathers monthly information provided by trucking companies and GPS vehicle tracking companies; it focuses on the average time tractor-trailers spend in storage, broken down into three critical categories during the cargo collection process: maneuvering, waiting, and customs.

Manzanillo: abrupt correction, but still with delays

The most important port in the Pacific drastically reduced its times from critical levels in June to 8.2 decimal hours (converted this way for comparison) in July , which represented an improvement of -35.94 percent.

While the correction is significant, it is not necessarily due to structural improvements, but rather to the release of flows following episodes of congestion at customs and maneuvers that occurred in previous weeks. The challenge is to maintain this reduction and avoid falling into cycles of collapse and relief during peak season .

Lázaro Cárdenas: rising red flag

Unlike Manzanillo, Lázaro Cárdenas saw a sharp decline in its performance : the average service time reached 10.8 decimal hours, an increase of 22.73% compared to June.

This increase places it as the port with the worst indicator in the country during the month analyzed, which raises alarms considering its strategic role for automotive, steel, and container cargo. The increase suggests internal management problems and possible bottlenecks in port operations.

Veracruz: adjustments that ease the operation

In the Gulf, the port of Veracruz recorded an average of 6.4 decimal hours , equivalent to an improvement of -11.11% compared to the previous month.

The reduction is significant because it brings efficiency to a logistics hub that connects the manufacturing industry with the European and U.S. markets. However, specialists warn that there is still significant room for improvement in customs management .

Altamira: stability with slight improvement

For its part, Altamira reported an average of 6.0 decimal hours , with a monthly variation of -3.17 percent.

Although the adjustment is minor, it confirms the stability of this port in terms of operational processes. However, the improvement is not enough to radically differentiate it from Veracruz, its regional “competitor . “

The ITPAP trend makes it clear that the Mexican port system requires more than temporary adjustments: it needs customs digitalization, infrastructure strengthening, and management protocols that guarantee operational stability month after month.

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The Association of Customs Brokers of the Port of Manzanillo (AAAPUMAC) published a statement this Thursday to its members, reporting that the modulation operations at the Manzanillo customs office are proceeding “slowly,” both in the northern and southern zones, following the operational challenges the port has experienced in recent weeks.

The bulletin identifies four points to consider :

1. The operation in the southern zone is being slowly ramped up, beginning with a review of the previous day’s reconnaissance as the operation allows.
2. Management module: Requests are being received; there is no system for assigning folios; Customs will manage entry folios directly.
3. The operation in the northern zone is being ramped up slowly as saturation allows; it has not yet begun reviewing the inspections pending from yesterday.
4. For customs inspections in Bonded Warehouses, the workload limit is being reviewed.

Customs clearance is a procedure used to channel and verify goods entering or leaving the country , with the aim of ensuring compliance with customs laws and avoiding fraud, smuggling, or errors in the import or export process.

Meanwhile, the National Port System Administration (Asipona) in Manzanillo issued a statement yesterday stating that, “according to information from Manzanillo Customs, operations at the bonded facility have been fully restored . Following recent events that impacted operational rhythm, the Port of Manzanillo is back in normal operation, with a safe, efficient, and continuous flow of goods.”

There, he stated that “this Tuesday, May 20, 2025, alone, during the reactivation process, the terminal complex handled a total of 4,367 containers , including import, export, and empty cargo; and 14,524 tons of loose and bulk cargo were dispatched, with a total of 4,190 trucking units arriving.”

This information contrasts with what the port terminals themselves have been issuing. In the case of Contecon Manzanillo , a statement was published yesterday afternoon stating that, “In coordination with the authorities, it was determined that it will no longer be possible to receive trucks for imported cargo , due to circumstances beyond the terminal’s control. We urge transport users not to send imported vehicles to avoid further logistical disruptions.”

“We also indicate that any appointments that cannot be entered today (May 21) will be automatically rescheduled for Monday, May 26. This change will be visible tomorrow, May 22, so there will be no need to attempt to make any changes, as scheduling new import appointments on our operational portal will not be permitted until further notice,” stated the operator of one of the port’s specialized container terminals.

The operational chaos at the Manzanillo customs office comes after its own employees, mostly civilian foreign trade officers, closed access to the port on two occasions last week , in protest of alleged poor working conditions and unjustified dismissals since the arrival (April 15) of Captain Rodolfo Torres Chávez as head of the Manzanillo customs office.

The Manzanillo customs office is the second highest in tax collection in the country , behind only the Nuevo Laredo customs office, which is the largest border crossing for goods with the United States.

On May 20, T21 reported that, based on information from a source close to the Manzanillo customs office who requested anonymity, the inspection and oversight authority is working with just five inspectors, when on a “normal” day of operation there should be at least 25 inspectors distributed throughout the day.

According to official data, just over four thousand trucking units enter the port of Manzanillo daily to pick up or unload cargo.

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The Navy (Semar) , through the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine , reported that it will have a new news space to report on the projects and actions of the National Port System.

“Marítimo-Portuario TV was created out of the need to inform society and support the promotion of maritime culture in Mexico; it seeks to develop in a clear and objective manner everything related to the National Port System, which includes maritime and port issues related to the Port Captaincy and Maritime Affairs Unit (Unicapam), the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT) , the Administrations of the National Port System (Asiponas) and the Maritime and Port University of Mexico (UMPM), among others,” the authority indicated through a press release.

He also indicated that citizens and the media will be able to have first-hand information about the National Port System and the entities involved in the maritime and port sector.

The portal https://maritimoportuariotv.com/ will present reports, interviews and capsules that promote the maritime-port culture of Mexico, in addition to an in-depth and updated analysis of the port sector and its relevance to the national economy.

“This will allow us to create an active and committed community through social media strategies, where the media and the audience can interact, share experiences and stay up to date with the latest developments in logistics and foreign trade; and at the same time, we extend a cordial invitation to participate to all maritime society and community who wish to do so,” he said.

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An efficient customs system in Mexico would create a virtuous cycle in which companies would operate more quickly and with lower logistics costs, said federal deputy Rosalinda Savala , who recalled that she presented to her party an initiative aimed at modernizing customs processes , as well as improving customs operating hours.

At the National Consultation Forum for Customs and Ports of Mexico , held in the Chamber of Deputies , the Morena legislator indicated that said initiative has already been sent and registered with her parliamentary group.

“The initiative I propose will be announced at the plenary session; it not only seeks to improve the efficiency and security of ports and customs, but also to strengthen Mexico’s competitiveness in international trade, promote job creation and foster economic development throughout the country,” he said.

During his speech, he pointed out that Mexico, as a strategic nation in international trade, has an essential customs infrastructure for its economic, social and political integration.

“We have 50 customs offices throughout our territory strategically distributed to safeguard national interests,” he stressed, adding that customs offices are not only points of control, but also points of exchange, development and security.

The deputy emphasized that customs play an essential role in preventing the entry of illegal products, dangerous materials or activities that may compromise Mexico’s security, and are also responsible for the collection of taxes and tariffs , making them “a primary source of income for the country.”

“Their contribution in different regions of the country allows us to effectively cover our borders and coasts, facilitating the flow of goods and ensuring compliance with our regulations for the benefit of society and the economy,” he said.

Savala also highlighted the importance of Mexican ports, since due to the country’s geographic location, a key port system for international trade has been consolidated , since it not only facilitates the exchange of goods with the world, but also promotes a logistics network that connects all corners of Mexico .

“In total, we have more than 30 commercial ports in the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. These ports handle an impressive volume of goods that represent a significant part of our commercial activity. In 2023 alone, Mexican ports handled more than 500 million tons of cargo, representing 10% of global maritime trade,” he said.

Better customs infrastructure at ports would reduce waiting times and logistics costs , which in turn would increase the volume of trade and foreign direct investment. “In other words, a modern customs system would foster a virtuous cycle in which companies would operate more quickly and at lower costs,” he said.

Also present at the event were Leonel Godoy , president of the Constitutional Affairs Committee, and Gabriela Jiménez , vice-coordinator of the Morena Parliamentary Group, who agreed that it is necessary to modernize and digitize Mexico’s customs and ports to improve their operation.

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Terminal Marítima Mazatlán (TMAZ) , operated by SAAM Terminals , reported a positive year-end balance for 2024, marked by a sharp 20% increase in merchandise transfers , according to a press release shared by the company.

TMAZ General Manager Mauricio Ortiz said, “We have positioned ourselves as a reliable ally for our clients. Thanks to our investments, today we offer more than 20 thousand square meters of bonded warehouses, which translates into cost savings and a competitive advantage. At TMAZ we enable merchandise to be dispatched in a timely manner, with solutions adapted to the needs of the market.”

In the automotive sector, the terminal stood out as the second vehicle operator in the Pacific. During the year, a transfer of more than 160 thousand units was achieved .

“Today, the terminal has diversified its clients and has importers from Asia thanks to the more than five kilometers of railway tracks inside the terminal that allow us to move steel, containers and vehicles with a high level of productivity,” added Ortiz.

In the case of steel, cargo in which TMAZ is positioning itself as a key player for the chain, more than 580 thousand tons were mobilized with a growth in 2024 of more than 100 percent. The terminal has a specialized warehouse for handling steel, of 5,300 m2 with two traveling cranes. Going forward, an increase in this type of cargo of at least 5% annually is projected.

TMAZ is preparing for 2025, when it hopes to increase vehicle transfer by more than 5%, steel by more than 10% and continue consolidating its experience in loose cargo handling.

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The maritime customs office at the port of Lázaro Cárdenas has increased its operational capacity after opening two new modules for the clearance of goods in the road import mode.

This increase is equivalent to 50% of its original capacity and was announced as part of a joint effort between the Lázaro Cárdenas National Port System Administration (Asipona) and the port community to streamline the logistics process.

“This increase in operational capacity will provide a more agile and efficient service at the port of Lázaro Cárdenas,” said representatives of Asipona during the formal ceremony to inaugurate the modules.

Furthermore, this effort is part of a series of measures aimed at improving port logistics , a crucial sector for the Mexican economy.

In this context, it is noteworthy that the port of Lázaro Cárdenas has reported significant container handling during the first nine months of 2024 , with an increase of 28.7% compared to the same period of the previous year, processing 1,764,679 TEUs (20-foot containers), according to official statistics.

However, the challenge remains to optimize the service times for auto transport units in Mexican ports. According to the Average Time Index for Auto Transport in Ports (ITPAP) , prepared by the T21 Business Intelligence unit, Lázaro Cárdenas recorded an average of 6 hours of service in September 2024, with a higher consumption of time in customs clearance, which reached 2.9 hours. This data contrasts with the improvement observed at the national level, where the average wait was 4.73 decimal hours, a decrease of 64% compared to August.

At the official inauguration ceremony of the two new modules, the importance of coordination between maritime customs and the various actors in the port community to speed up the clearance of foreign trade goods was also highlighted. The idea is to seek to increase operational capacity, clearance times and strengthen customs collection in accordance with current regulations .

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The National Port System Administration (Asipona) Manzanillo reported that last Thursday, September 26, an update of the port’s operating rules was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) , which integrates observations from the logistics-port community related to the commercial activities of this maritime hub .

The DOF publication presents the link where you can consult the complete document , dated September 18, 2024 and signed by Captain Juan Francisco Ríos , head of the General Directorate of Ports (DGP), of the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine (CGPMM) , which belongs to the Secretariat of the Navy .

The Port of Manzanillo is the main container exchange center in the Mexican Pacific. From January to August of this year, the Colima port has handled two million 602 thousand 946 20-foot containers (TEU), or 42.2% of the total TEU of imports and exports that the country registers in the period, adding the other deep-sea ports, according to official figures. Only in imports it reaches 44%, with one million 127 thousand 622 containers.

This publication comes at a time when members of the logistics-port community have been involved in various operational conflicts this year , for which Asipona Manzanillo indicated that the new operating rules consider the observations of representatives of the assignees, operators, service providers, customs agents, shipping agents, importers/exporters, transporters and other federal port authorities.

The observations were analyzed and approved by the Port Operations Committee , and authorized by the DGP.

According to a press release from Asipona Manzanillo, based on the “Operating Rules of the Port of Manzanillo San Pedrito and Puerto Manzanillo Cuyutlán”, “the safety of goods and people is guaranteed, and free, healthy and transparent competition between terminals and operators is encouraged in the Port Area, ensuring equal treatment without preferences or favoritism, within the framework of compliance with the Customs Law, the Foreign Trade Rules, the Port Law and its regulations, as well as the Law on Navigation and Maritime Commerce; in addition to complying with international standards regarding protection, the environment and international maritime trade”, Asipona Manzanillo stated.

The new operating rules came into effect this Friday, September 27 , according to the DOF document.

This year, the port of Manzanillo has been registering constant increases in the operation of merchandise, mostly in foreign trade transits. Recently, shipping lines have increased the offer of maritime routes with connections to ports in Southeast Asia, especially due to the wave of imports of Chinese merchandise that has occurred in recent years.

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The promised Fourth Port Transformation never arrived. Rather, the six-year term of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been the scene of a widely criticized recomposition of the administration of the maritime-port sector in Mexico and which, according to specialists in the matter, has resulted in operational setbacks and substantial increases in costs for companies with activities in foreign trade, at a time when the country requires greater agility in the handling of merchandise, mainly in the face of the growing wave of Asian imports that has impacted the ports of the Mexican Pacific.

In an interview for T21 magazine published in its January 2019 edition (volume 233), Héctor López Gutiérrez , appointed a month earlier as head of the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine (CGPMM) – at that time still in the hands of the Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT) – outlined the strategy that the incoming federal administration would follow.

In its route plan, the creation of the Coastal Port Intermodal Systems (Sipcos) had been roughly outlined , that is, the main cargo handling ports in the country would be grouped into five regional blocks that would encourage the comprehensive development of coastal businesses, maritime and port. In the vision of Héctor López, this “renewal” would give a twist to the exhausted model of the Comprehensive Port Administrations (API) that were born with the Ports Law of 1993, at the same time that it would be focused on granting a socioeconomic benefit to the towns interconnected with the ports.

The Sipcos would never see the light of day, since the federal government was preparing an alternative strategy that would resonate in all business sectors, even those related to maritime-port activity, that is, the entry of the Armed Forces into public administration.

In this way and after six months in which various legislative changes were made, on June 7, 2021, the transfer of the CGPMM to the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) was completed , a movement whose main objective was the fight against the introduction of illegal merchandise into ports, as precursors for the production of synthetic drugs; although the idea was also raised in President López Obrador’s morning conferences that the ports had been “privatized”, so the State would come to “recover” their control , despite the fact that the government itself is the one who had been granting port concessions, hand in hand with the APIs, to the different private players.

However, as administrator of Mexican ports, the Navy would enter a terrain in which it would still have to begin a pronounced learning curve , hand in hand with the introduction of sailors also in the administration of maritime customs, both facts unprecedented in the country, which would end up doubly affecting the operation in the ports.

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