APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas is entering a new phase of expansion, marking a significant step in its long-term strategy to strengthen Mexico’s port infrastructure and support growing trade volumes.
The terminal has officially inaugurated Phase II of its expansion and simultaneously launched construction on Phase III, backed by a total investment exceeding $350 million.
With the completion of the $140 million Phase II, the terminal now spans 65 hectares of operational area and has reached a capacity of up to 2 million TEU. As part of Maersk’s port operations arm, APM Terminals continues to position Lazaro Cardenas as a strategic gateway for regional and international trade.
The newly expanded area integrates advanced technologies designed to improve cargo traceability, enhance operational precision and strengthen overall safety and reliability. These improvements are also expected to increase predictability and resilience across the port system.
Beatriz Yera, Managing Director of APM Terminals Mexico, highlighted that the terminal is currently the only facility in Latin America with a fully automated container yard. Looking ahead, Phase III will include the construction of an additional 450 metres of quay, bringing total berth length to 1,200 metres.
She noted that this development forms part of a broader strategy to expand logistics capacity and support the continued growth of Mexico’s foreign trade.
Phase II has also introduced six electric ARMG cranes, a fleet of energy-efficient shuttle carriers and advanced operational control systems, all of which contribute to improved service reliability for customers, authorities and port users.
Leo Huisman, Regional Managing Director for APM Terminals Americas, emphasised that the phased expansion approach allows the terminal to scale operations in a structured and sustainable way, in line with evolving global logistics needs.
Sustainability is also a core component of the project. The terminal is integrating fully electric mobile equipment and electrified infrastructure to support automated operations, aligning with APM Terminals’ global decarbonisation strategy.
The launch of Phase III is expected to accelerate capacity expansion by approximately eight years, further strengthening Lazaro Cardenas’ position as a major transshipment hub in the region.
