Contecon Manzanillo, International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation in Mexico, has welcomed the inaugural call of MSC’s Sierra service, a new route that enhances maritime connectivity between Asia and Mexico via the Port of Manzanillo—the country’s leading gateway for containerized cargo.
ICTSI established a subsidiary, Contecon Manzanillo SA de CV (CMSA), to operate the Port of Manzanillo when it signed in June 2010 a 34-year concession for the development and operation of the Second Specialized Container Terminal (TEC-II) at the Port of Manzanillo in Mexico.
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.
Sierra is MSC’s second dedicated Far East-Mexico service, providing importers, exporters and logistics providers with additional sailing options and enhanced supply chain flexibility. The port rotation covers Qingdao – Tianjin – Busan – Manzanillo – Lázaro Cárdenas – Qingdao, offering customers improved access to key manufacturing markets in Northeast Asia.
The launch of the new service comes as Contecon Manzanillo continues the fourth phase of its expansion project, an investment focused on increasing terminal capacity and supporting the sustained growth of cargo volumes in the Port of Manzanillo.
“The arrival of this service reflects our commitment to strengthening the terminal’s operational capabilities and creating the conditions for greater connectivity,” said José Antonio Contreras, Contecon Manzanillo chief executive officer.
“Our objective is to strengthen Manzanillo’s position as a preferred gateway for global shipping lines and international trade, as well as provide our customers with more efficient and reliable access to key markets,” he added.
According to ASIPONA, the Port of Manzanillo handled more than 1.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units between January and May 2026. The number reinforces Manzanillo’s position as Mexico’s most important logistics hub and a strategic gateway for international trade. The addition of the Sierra service further enhances Contecon Manzanillo’s capability to support Mexico’s foreign trade.
