International Container Terminal Services Inc. in Mexico and Columbia have recently received two large box ships of shipping giant CMA-CGM.
The vessel calls underscored the capabilities of the two container terminals to efficiently handle larger ships and stimulate economies of scale.
In a statement, ICTSI said it marked a new operational milestone in Latin America with the arrival of CMA CGM Alexander Von Humboldt at Contecon Manzanillo S.A., or CMSA, in Mexico and Sociedad Puerto Industrial Aguadulce, or SPIA, in Colombia.
The 396-meter-long vessel is the first of its size to operate a regular service in Latin America.
CMA CGM Alexander Von Humboldt operates the Asia Central South America 1 service, which connects Asia and Latin America.
“With the historic arrival of the CMA CGM Alexander Von Humboldt, Mexico is at the gates of a new era in maritime transport, increasingly larger ships that enhance economies of scale and cost optimization. We have prepared for this moment in recent years, designing and sizing our terminal to be able to serve these ships. It is our obligation to ensure that Mexican foreign trade has competitive and efficient maritime logistics,” José Antonio Contreras, CMSA chief executive officer, said.
Significant impact
The vessel’s arrival at the Port of Manzanillo highlights Mexico’s position and impact on global trade and reflects CMSA’s commitment to contribute significantly to the national economy.
“As a strategic partner in the history of growth in Mexico, Contecon Manzanillo recognized the importance of its role as an engine of economic progress,” Contreras added.
On the other hand, the vessel’s arrival in SPIA reaffirms the terminal’s position as the preferred terminal in the Colombian Pacific.
SPIA’s capacity and the confidence of shipping lines in its infrastructure and service has made the terminal the primary destination for the most important ships that arrive in Colombia.
“The arrival of this vessel represents an important step forward for SPIA in Buenaventura, Colombia, and in general, for Latin America. It demonstrates that SPIA has the experience, talent and optimal conditions that allow it to adapt to a new port and maritime dynamics of the world, making our terminal visible for the arrival of future larger vessels,” Álvaro Otero, SPIA general manager, explained.
In June 2010, ICTSI signed a 34-year concession for developing and operating the Second Specialized Container Terminal at the Port of Manzanillo in Mexico.
ICTSI established a subsidiary, Contecon Manzanillo SA de CV to operate the Port of Manzanillo.
Ideally located to serve the growing Asian trade, 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.