Mexico Announces Modernization of 6 Ports with Public Investment Exceeding $2.96 Billion USD

Mexico’s Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR) has announced the modernization of six strategic ports across the country with a public investment totaling $2.96 Billion USD (55.18 billion pesos). This initiative is part of an ambitious plan to strengthen the National Port System and stimulate economic and tourism development in various regions of the country.

During President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s morning press conference, SEMAR head Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles reported that the ports to be modernized are Ensenada (Baja California), Manzanillo (Colima), Lázaro Cárdenas (Michoacán), Acapulco (Guerrero), Veracruz, and Progreso (Yucatán).

The official noted that the National Port System is comprised of 103 ports and 15 terminals, of which 36 are managed by the Navy through the National Port System Administration (ASIPONA), while 30 are under the control of state governments via the Integral Port Administration (API).

Details of the modernization projects include:

• Ensenada Port: Will receive $303.2 Million USD (5.64 billion pesos). Key projects include the construction of a maritime control center—currently 70% complete and scheduled for delivery in September—as well as relocating cargo operations to El Sauzal, expanding the dock area, upgrading the ferry terminal and the international passenger terminal, and developing multipurpose facilities.

• Manzanillo Port: Will receive $1.10 Billion USD (20.5 billion pesos) for expansion into the Cuyutlán Lagoon area, where five new terminals will be built. This project aims to make Manzanillo the largest container port in Latin America.

• Lázaro Cárdenas Port: Will be upgraded with a $401.9 Million USD (7.47 billion pesos) investment, focusing on developing La Palma Island, building alternative roads, customs infrastructure, a 7.6 km ring road, and expanding the aerodrome.

• Acapulco Port: Will receive $36 Million USD (670 million pesos) for the rehabilitation and modernization of existing infrastructure and the construction of a new cruise ship dock.

• Veracruz Port: Will benefit from a $548.8 Million USD (10.20 billion pesos) investment to enhance northern infrastructure, including a high-voltage power line, an electrical substation, and a new Naval Port Protection Unit (UNAPROP).

• Progreso Port: Will undergo modernization with $575.6 Million USD (10.7 billion pesos) to expand its capacity through the construction of two new cargo platforms.

Morales Ángeles also reported on an additional $6.8 Billion USD (126.35 billion pesos) in private investment beyond these priority projects, distributed among ports such as Guaymas ($2.19 Billion USD — 40.69 billion pesos—), Topolobampo ($4.56 Billion USD — 84.86 billion pesos—), and Altamira ($43.1 Million USD — 802 million pesos—). This underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening Mexico’s logistics and commercial infrastructure.

These efforts form part of a national strategy to position Mexico as a key logistics hub in global trade, while generating employment, attracting investment, and driving regional development through modern and functional port infrastructure.