Contecon Manzanillo, S.A. (CMSA), developer and operator of the second specialized container terminal (SCT-2) in the Port of Manzanillo in Colima, Mexico, celebrated its first anniversary with CMSA significantly surpassing all expectations.
With the opening SCT-2, CMSA cemented Manzanillo’s position as the leading port in Mexico, further boosting the Port’s rank both regionally and globally. Today, the Port of Manzanillo is the fifth largest port in Latin America and 66th largest in the world. Moreover, the new terminal has raised port capacity by 100, doubling existing volumes. Though the official inauguration took place on 1 November 2013 with His Excellency Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto inaugurating SCT-2, actual operations started in 5 August with the arrival of the terminal’s first vessel from Danish megaliner Maersk.During the anniversary celebrations, Enrique Gutiérrez, CMSA Managing Director, said that since that date, container traffic has increased, even surpassing productivity targets for the new terminal. He also proudly spoke of the achievements attained during such a brief period, expecting volumes to continue the upward trend given the better services the Company offers to port users. “Today we can affirm that our offering is the best one in the Port, because of the tangible competitive services we offer our clients. For example, our facilities include well planned and strategically ordered spaces that provide greater amplitude compared to other terminals,” says Gutiérrez. The SCT-2 boasts of modern facilities. The berth is equipped with four super post-Panamax quay cranes, the largest in the ports industry, long enough to reach a vessel of up to 22 containers wide. CMSA’s operations use the Navis4 system, widely regarded as the industry’s best software, supporting fully automated operations and processes. Total investment considered for the three-phase, 12-year development plan of the terminal would amount to MXN 7 billion pesos. First phase has been completed with an investment nearing MXN 3 billion pesos. “Investments have primarily been channeled to building infrastructure and acquiring latest generation equipment for port management, including process management tools and resources to support personnel training. Our operations also had a direct positive impact on the port’s social and economic development, yielding some 400 direct jobs and over 1,100 indirect ones, amounting to close to MXN 70 million pesos in annual salaries,” says Gutierrez. He added: “A year after the first vessel arrived at our terminal, we can guarantee that CMSA is effectively fulfilling a commitment to strengthening Manzanillo’s positioning as the country’s leading port, and consolidating it as the main gateway for Mexico’s foreign trade. Modern infrastructure, world-class equipment, and leading edge technology compounded with best industry practices, absolute transparency and agility in all our processes, and excellent client service, make CMSA the best port services option on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.”