Port of Lázaro Cárdenas: Reviews Investments and Its Challenge as Mexico's Maritime Hub

The port of Lázaro Cárdenas is going through a decisive stage. In a world where global logistics is under pressure from stricter regulations, commercial tensions and the search for efficiency, this port facility in Michoacán attempts to take a further step to become the most competitive maritime hub in Mexico and the Pacific region. The challenge is not minor: while the customs authority has intensified cargo reviews—in order to increase security and strengthen collection—dispatch times have lengthened, representing an additional cost for logistics chain actors. On average, the cycle that merchandise takes in the port lasts around eight hours, according to port community data. Although it's an improvement from delays of up to twelve hours in previous years, the reality is that bottlenecks persist. This scenario reflects a dilemma: the port is efficient in its operational capacity, but centralized customs and security processes impose a burden that escapes the logistics community's control. A cohesive port community What's interesting about Lázaro Cárdenas is that it doesn't face this challenge in isolation. Since 2013, the Lázaro Cárdenas Port Community brings together concessionaires, transporters, customs agencies, maritime authorities and private companies. This coordination model has allowed joint solutions, improved processes and projected the port at international fairs. Few port communities in Mexico have managed to consolidate this way. The case of Lázaro Cárdenas is even a reference because it was the first to register its brand as a port community in the country. The cohesion of such diverse actors is, perhaps, one of the port's greatest assets. Structural advantages and expansion capacity Unlike other ports that grew surrounded by urban areas, Lázaro Cárdenas has space and planning. Its navigation channels reach 19 meters deep, making it suitable for receiving large draft vessels. It has a logistics center for trucking (ASLA), which reduces internal congestion, and has more than 97 kilometers of railways within the facility. Additionally, it's the only port with more than 1,100 free hectares for new developments, double what other facilities in the Mexican Pacific offer. This places it in a privileged position to attract long-term investment. Diversification and mixed figures The port doesn't only move containers: its capacity extends to automobiles, bulk cargo, minerals, petroleum fluids, agricultural cargo and steel. World-class companies like APM Terminals, Hutchison Ports, SSA Marine, Pemex and ArcelorMittal are part of its daily operation. In 2025, numbers show contrasts. From January to July, the port handled more than 16.4 million tons of total cargo, a 7.6% drop compared to the same period in 2024 due to reduction in mineral bulk. However, container handling grew 10%, exceeding 1.48 million TEUs, while automobile movement reached 407,897 units, keeping it as national leader in this segment. Intermodality: the railroad challenge While trucking continues to be king—with 75% of merchandise to the interior—railroads seek to regain prominence. Today it represents barely 25%, although destinations like Pantaco, Salinas Victoria, Querétaro and Puerta México begin to show upturn. Railroad reliability, with almost 100% effectiveness and no blockades in the last three years, is helping change users' perception. If it manages to consolidate, it could give the port an additional advantage over its Pacific competitors. Customs: security with additional costs The increase in customs reviews is a sensitive topic. Between 2022 and 2024, inspection gates doubled and X-ray equipment was added, plus infrastructure for ship-side reviews. These measures increase security and transparency, but simultaneously slow operations and raise logistics costs. It's a delicate balance: offering national-level security without losing competitiveness in foreign trade. Strategic investments The future of Lázaro Cárdenas passes through Isla de la Palma, a 608-hectare property acquired by the port authority, of which 162 have already been assigned to companies like Maersk and SSA. Public investment toward 2030 exceeds 6.3 billion pesos, destined for road infrastructure, airfield modernization and expansion of supervised yards. To this are added private investments, like dock and container yard expansion by APM Terminals and Hutchison Ports, plus strengthening automobile and mineral operations by SSA and TPP. Reputation and security perception One of the port's great challenges continues to be its public image. Railroad blockades and highway insecurity episodes have left their mark. Although the situation has improved in recent years, recovering market confidence is a slow process. The key will be maintaining consistency: efficiency, connectivity and security. Only this way can Lázaro Cárdenas consolidate itself as the maritime hub that Mexico needs. Final reflection In the last eight years, Lázaro Cárdenas has doubled its operation and in the next 18 months seeks to grow 40% more. The port has everything to become a strategic logistics node for the country: space, infrastructure and cohesive community. However, the challenge will be balancing security with operational agility, and convincing importers and exporters that old problems are now part of the past. As a Mexican and someone who closely follows logistics topics, I'm convinced that the port's success will not be solely a matter of cranes, docks or customs: it will also depend on the ability of companies and authorities to work together to strengthen the national logistics chain. At Control Terrestre (CT), as cargo intermediary, we understand that the efficiency of ports like Lázaro Cárdenas directly impacts clients seeking to move their merchandise quickly and safely. That's why we believe this type of investment and collaborative effort is the right path for Mexico to position itself as a key player in international commerce. 📌 Blog written by María José Gamba 👉 Want to stay updated with the latest news in logistics, international commerce and transportation trends? Subscribe to our Control Terrestre newsletter and receive directly in your email analysis, advice and updates that will make a difference in your business. https://controlterrestre.com/newsletter