Mexico has announced an ambitious project to expand the Port of Progreso, a critical trade hub located in Yucatan. Scheduled for completion by the end of the year, this expansion aims to enhance Progreso’s capacity as both a cargo and cruise terminal. Positioned strategically on the Gulf of Mexico, Progreso is one of Mexico’s few deep-water cargo ports, with existing infrastructure that includes a 4.11-mile pier and a 4.68-mile channel.
The expansion will widen the port’s channel to over 500 feet and deepen it to 47 feet, enabling it to accommodate larger vessels and handle greater volumes of cargo. This development will further strengthen Progreso’s role as a major connection point between Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and key international markets, including the United States, Europe, and Central and South America.
As one of the country’s primary hubs for both tourism and trade, Progreso plays an essential role in Mexico’s economic connectivity. The port’s facilities currently include a container terminal with ship-to-shore cranes, a grain terminal, tank terminal, multi-purpose berths, a cruise terminal, and support infrastructure for bunkering and stevedoring.
The expansion project has already commenced with environmental and soil studies. Naval dredging equipment is scheduled to arrive soon to facilitate the significant deepening and widening operations. This expanded capacity will enable Progreso to handle a broader range of exports, from textiles and electronics to agricultural products such as poultry, seafood, and honey.
APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk and the operator of Progreso, sees the expansion as a major growth opportunity. In the first half of 2024 alone, APM Terminals Progreso handled over 54,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and maintained an average of 22 vessel arrivals per month. The expanded infrastructure is expected to drive economic development in the region, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Progreso’s commercial connections.
The updated facilities at APM Terminals Progreso will incorporate advanced technology designed to streamline operations, reduce wait times, and enhance precision in cargo handling. Committed to supporting Mexico’s growing trade demands, APM Terminals is focused on delivering high-quality services that promote sustainable growth and operational efficiency at the Port of Progreso.
