SIMIC

MEXICO's APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas has announced the construction of Phase II expansion of its terminal, with an investment of US$140 million.

The investment will increase the port's annual capacity to 2.2 million TEU, up from 1.1 million TEU.



During the expansion, the yard will be increased by 15.7 hectares, the terminal's operating system will be upgraded to use Navis N4, the world standard for operating systems in APM Terminals' global network, which combines best practices from around the world and specialized 24/7 centralized support to meet both medium and long-term forecasted volume requirements. The completion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.



The expansion takes into account the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (T-MEC) that entered into force on July 1, 2020.



"This expansion positions the terminal as a key hub in the region. The increased capacity, new equipment and yard space will raise the standard of efficiency at the terminal through optimized traffic flows and improve cross-border transit times, a key element of the T-MEC," said Leo Huisman, regional general manager, APM Terminals Americas.



Phase II includes new equipment to enhance port capacity, such as six automated rail-mounted gantry cranes, 14 new shuttle carriers, the only equipment of its kind in Mexico and the region.



"In addition to increased efficiencies that will reduce logistics costs for both shipping lines and land-based customers, the new phase will include several sustainable initiatives. The expansion will also support opportunities for international trade growth and transform the economic and social development of the State of Michoacan and Mexico," said Marliz Bermudez, managing director of APM Terminals Mexico.



APM Terminals has invested more than $900 million to date in the terminal to boost Mexico's competitiveness, fulfilling the company's strategy of investing in emerging economies.



The project will expand the terminal's current capacity to 65 hectares, including a total of seven ship to shore (STS) cranes, 32 shuttle carriers and 28 automated rail mounted gantry cranes (ARMG).