
The Manzanillo International Terminal is a game-changer in the world of maritime transportation, and its success story is one that's worth sharing.
Located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, the terminal has become a key player in the country's trade with the rest of the world, handling a significant portion of the country's imports and exports.
Its strategic location allows for efficient cargo handling and transportation, reducing transit times and increasing competitiveness in the global market.
The terminal's impressive infrastructure and advanced technology have enabled it to process a large volume of cargo, making it a vital link in the supply chain.
Suggestion: Jade Cargo International
History and Development
The Manzanillo International Terminal has a rich history that dates back to the World War II era. The project area, known as South Coco Solo, was a US Navy seaplane base during that time.
In the 1980s, the area was repurposed as a storage facility and distribution center for vehicles in Latin America. This was done to avoid the costs and logistics of moving cars to and from Cristóbal.
The original concept of MIT was born out of the need to directly import and export vehicles on site, thus eliminating the need for lengthy transportation routes. A roll-on/roll-off (RORO) berth was built at the distribution and storage facility to make this possible.
By August 1993, the RORO berth concept had grown into a world-class container transshipment facility equipped with over 1,200 meters of berth and modern terminal management computer systems. This marked a significant expansion of the original project.
The Atlantic terminus of the re-built Panama Canal Railway was constructed nearby, further enhancing the terminal's capabilities.
Facilities and Operations
The Manzanillo International Terminal boasts a massive investment in its improvement, with a total project cost of over 650 million dollars as of today. This significant investment has enabled the terminal to become a state-of-the-art facility.
The terminal's infrastructure is equipped with the latest technology, making it a world-class terminal. The existing Ro-Ro muelle was transformed into a container terminal, spanning over 1.6 kilometers in length.
The terminal's total area is a substantial 520,000 square meters, providing ample space for various operations.
Inversión Continua
Inversión Continua is a crucial aspect of facilities and operations, as seen in the example of the terminal de trasbordo de contenedores in Colombia.
The investment in this project was substantial, with a total cost of over 650 million dollars.
This investment was made possible by the arrival of multinational companies specializing in port administration, which brought in cutting-edge technology and expertise.
The terminal itself is over 1.6 kilometers long, showcasing the scale of the investment.
This investment has paid off, as the terminal is now a state-of-the-art facility.
Berthing
The berthing facilities at this port are quite impressive. The main berth spans 1,240 meters of contiguous container space, with a depth of 14 meters alongside.
You can fit quite a lot of cargo in that space. The extra berth adds another 400 meters of container space, also with a depth of 14 meters alongside.
Let's take a look at the details of the berths. Here's a breakdown of the berthing facilities:
- Main berth: 1,240 meters of contiguous container berth with a depth of 14 meters alongside
- Extra berth: 400 meters of container berth with a depth of 14 meters alongside
- Ro-ro berth: 300-meter "Mediterranean-style" ro-ro berth with a depth of 12.5 meters alongside
All of these berths are conveniently located 2.5 meters above mean sea level. That's a nice safety margin, especially considering the tide variance of 30 centimeters.
Storage

The terminal's storage capacity is quite impressive, with a total area of 520,000 square meters.
This massive space allows for a container storage capacity of 37,000 TEU.
The terminal also has a dedicated container repair yard, covering 15,000 square meters of land.
This yard includes a 1,300 square meter undercover repair facility, providing a dry and secure space for repairs.
In addition, the yard can connect to 1,145 refrigerated containers, making it ideal for handling perishable goods.
If you're curious about the terminal's layout, you can check the coordinates on Wikidata for more information.
Mantenimiento de Contenedores
Our container maintenance capabilities are top-notch, with the ability to perform repairs and inspections to the highest IICL standards. We have a large team of skilled professionals who can handle a wide range of container types, including refrigerated containers.
We take pride in our preventive maintenance work, ensuring that all containers are in good working condition. This includes over 1,500 connections to the ground for refrigerated containers, which is a testament to our commitment to quality and safety.
Leadership and Position
Manzanillo International Terminal is a subsidiary of Carrix, the world's largest privately held marine and rail operator.
The terminal is led by strong leadership, which has contributed to its success. This leadership has been instrumental in driving the terminal's growth and development.
The terminal has invested $650 Million into operations and development since its inception in 1995. This significant investment has enabled the terminal to implement innovative technologies and processes.
A key factor in the terminal's success is its focus on providing opportunities for professional development to its employees. The terminal has invested $6 Million in the communities of Colon, where 90% of its 1200 employees are from.
Leading International Shipping in the Caribbean
The Manzanillo International Terminal is a clear leader in the shipping industry, with all top 15 of the world's largest carriers calling on it for services.
Located in Panama, this facility processes the vast majority of goods and materials flowing between Latin America and the rest of the world. It's a subsidiary of Carrix, the world's largest privately held marine and rail operator.
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Manzanillo International Terminal began operations in 1995 and has since invested $650 Million into operations and development. This investment has paid off, as the facility continues to set the pace for development.
The terminal is fueled by a winning combination of strong leadership, progressive human resources enrichment efforts, and innovative technologies. It's a testament to the power of effective leadership and strategic investment.
Today, Manzanillo International Terminal is increasing capacity from 2.2 Million TEU's to 4 Million TEU's per year, with a $270 Million investment to fund the expansion. This will be completed by 2015, cementing the terminal's position as a leader in the industry.
With 90% of its 1200 employees from Colon itself, the terminal is also making a positive impact on the local community.
Dirección
In terms of physical location, Manzanillo International Terminal - Panama, S.A. is situated at Ave. Molten, Coco Solo Sur.
Their mailing address is P.O.Box 0302-00239, and they can be reached through the post.
The terminal's phone number is (507) 430-9800/9900.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Manzanillo International Terminal?
Manzanillo International Terminal is owned by MIT, a company majority-owned by Carrix, Inc., a parent company of several logistics and transportation businesses.
What is the capacity of the Manzanillo International Terminal?
The Manzanillo International Terminal has a total capacity of 37,000 TEU for container storage. It also features a large container repair yard with 15,000 square meters of space.
Which country is Manzanillo Panama in?
Manzanillo is located in Panama. It's a port city with the official UN/LOCODE PAMIT.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manzanillo_International_Terminal
- https://logistics.gatech.pa/en/logistics-platform/logistics-assets/seaports/main-seaports-in-panama/manzanillo-international-terminal-22/
- https://info.tideworks.com/mit-case-study
- https://caribbeanpanamanetwork.com/project/manzanillo-international-terminal-mit/
- https://360enconcreto.com/blog/detalle/megaestructura-para-transporte-maritimo-manzanillo-international-terminal/
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