International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said that its Mexico operation in Specialized Container Terminal 2 (TEC-II) in the Port of Manzanillo under Contecon Manzanillo S.A. (CMSA) has handled a record 14,400 twenty-equivalent units (TEU) cargos during the recent call of the CMA CGM vessel APL Vanda.
“The achievement not only underscores the growing importance of the port, but also confirms Contecon Manzanillo’s ability to handle the mega ships that have started to arrive on the shores of the Latin American Pacific,” the company said.
ICTSI said that handling the 14,400 TEUs within 7,800 moves “broke Mexico’s port industry record for a single vessel operation.”
“The operation on the APL Vanda, with more than 14,400 TEUs, is a historic milestone for Contecon Manzanillo and the entire Mexican port community. It reaffirms our capability to handle mega ships and large volumes per vessel call, and consolidates the confidence of our customers, with whom we jointly support the development and growth of Mexico,” said José Antonio Contreras, CMSA chief executive officer.
APL Vanda, which sails under CMA CGM’s Asia Central South America service, is the second vessel with 400-meter length overall to arrive at the Port of Manzanillo following the arrival of CMA CGM Alexander von Humboldt last August. It is also currently the largest vessel to dock at the port and has a capacity of 17,292 TEUs.
“The arrival of the APL Vanda highlights the continued growth of the Port of Manzanillo and its critical role in facilitating global trade. It also consolidates Manzanillo’s reputation as Mexico’s gateway for cargo from Asia. As a vital gateway connecting Mexico to the world, Contecon Manzanillo is committed to providing world-class services that contribute to the region’s economic prosperity and strengthen its position as a key player in international trade,” ICTSI said.
ICTSI said CMSA is looking to expand capacity by over 40 percent in the next two years.
“These investments are critical to support the region’s economic development and ensure the company’s readiness for future challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector,” it said.
ICTSI has a 34-year franchise to operate the the Port of Manzanillo’s TEC-II in Mexico since 2010. CMSA is Mexico’s gateway to the Pacific coast and is close to major consumer markets, such as Mexico City and the country’s largest industrial areas.