The Port of Manzanillo was once again a scene of activity and modernization. On October 20, three hybrid RTG cranes manufactured by ZPMC arrived and are being integrated into the Specialized Container Terminal II (TEC II), operated by Contecon Manzanillo . This is another step in the company’s Phase 3B expansion project, aimed at strengthening its infrastructure and consolidating its position as a benchmark for operational efficiency in Mexico and Latin America.

These cranes, equipped with high-efficiency diesel engines and lithium batteries, symbolize a strategic investment in foreign trade and a commitment to sustainability. Their incorporation will reduce fuel consumption by up to 50% compared to conventional equipment, a development that reflects the company’s long-term vision: combining productivity with environmental responsibility.

“The incorporation of these hybrid cranes and future acquisitions marks a decisive step toward the port operation of the future. In 2023, we will begin studies for their hybridization, which now allows us to have fully equipped equipment. With this technology, we have reduced our fuel consumption and emissions by more than half, while increasing the efficiency of our operations. This investment reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability, aligned with the highest carbon-neutral standards,” said José Antonio Contreras, CEO of Contecon Manzanillo, quoted in a press release.

The new equipment is part of a comprehensive expansion strategy that seeks to provide the port with a modern, sustainable infrastructure capable of responding to the growing dynamism of international trade. The hybrid RTGs not only reduce the environmental footprint but also incorporate an artificial intelligence-assisted remote control system designed to optimize cargo movements and increase operational safety. This technology also facilitates operator training, adapting them to more automated and precise processes.

This effort is part of the company’s environmental commitments, which currently hold ISO 14064 Carbon Neutral certification. In this way, Contecon Manzanillo reaffirms its role as one of the country’s most innovative terminals , aligned with the international standards that define port competitiveness today.

Behind this technological advancement lies the vision of its parent company, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) , a global operator with a presence in 34 terminals in 20 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Founded in 1987, ICTSI has consolidated a philosophy of expansion based on efficiency, sustainability, and innovation , principles that Contecon Manzanillo has embraced since its establishment in the northern part of the Colima port.

The arrival of the new hybrid cranes is not just the addition of equipment: it represents the transition toward a smart port operating model, where energy efficiency, automation, and emissions reduction are intertwined as pillars of growth. In an increasingly demanding global environment, Contecon Manzanillo is committed to anticipating the future with technology and vision , reinforcing its commitment to making the port a hub for sustainable trade in the Mexican Pacific.

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El cargo Contecon Manzanillo accelerates its modernization with next-generation hybrid cranes apareció primero en T21.

The initiative seeks to transform operations toward cleaner and more environmentally responsible models, the company emphasized in a statement.

In 2023, studies began on the hybridization of RTG cranes, which are used for container handling, which has allowed them to be retrofitted. This plan combines electric power, provided by lithium batteries, and diesel, a technology that reduces fuel consumption and polluting emissions by more than 50% , the company emphasized.

“The hybridization of our RTG cranes represents a fundamental technological and environmental advancement for our operations. Emissions are reduced in the same proportion as consumption, that is, by more than 50% in both cases. This project is fully aligned with the standards of our Carbon Neutral Certification and reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a cleaner and more sustainable port operation,” said José Antonio Contreras, CEO of Contecon Manzanillo.

The company noted that the hybridization program will continue to strengthen with the addition of new RTG cranes, some of which arrived last May, while others are planned to arrive in the coming months.

The initiative is backed by the international ISO 14064 Carbon Neutral certification , which endorses the company’s emission reduction practices and environmental preservation initiatives, such as sponsoring the Cuyutlán Lagoon .

In addition, in 2025 the company joined the “Champions of Sustainable Maritime Transport and Ports” initiative, which seeks to recognize companies in the sector that are committed to greener operations and implement actions to combat climate change .

In April 2025, Contecon Manzanillo reported the movement of 509,088 20-foot containers (TEU) , 9% more than in the same month last year, making it the company that registered the greatest growth in TEU movement in the port of Manzanillo in this period, according to data from the Administration of the National Port System (Asipona) Manzanillo .

Of that total, 238,181 TEUs were import movements, representing a 14.3% increase compared to April 2024; while 227,692 were export movements, representing a 20% annual increase, the agency noted.

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El cargo Contecon Manzanillo hybridizes its RTG cranes apareció primero en T21.