Yucatan, SEMAR Advance Phase 3 of Progreso Port Expansion

Yucatan and SEMAR are advancing Phase 3 of the Puerto Progreso expansion, which will add new logistics platforms, expand maritime capacity, and attract further investment.

The Government of Yucatan and Mexico’s Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) ratified a collaboration agreement to advance Phase 3 of the expansion and modernization of Puerto Progreso, a strategic project expected to strengthen southeastern Mexico’s maritime capacity and integration into domestic and international supply chains.

The agreement was ratified by Governor of Yucatan Joaquín Díaz, and Raymundo Morales, Minister of SEMAR. The officials also met with companies interested in establishing operations at the port, where planned public and private investment totals an estimated MX$12.23 billion (US$700.82 million).

The expansion will increase the port’s operational area from 34ha to 114ha through the development of two new 40ha platforms. These areas will accommodate new terminals and support the reorganization of existing port facilities. Authorities also plan to deepen, lengthen, and widen the navigation channel so the port can receive larger vessels.

Phase 3 Moves Toward New Tender

Puerto Progreso’s expansion is divided into three phases. Phase 1 was completed with MX$630 million from the Government of Yucatan, generating 360 direct and 1,400 indirect jobs. Phase 2 is underway with MX$948 million in private investment from SSA Marine México.

Phase 3 will be led by the federal government and is expected to generate 2,250 direct and 9,600 indirect jobs. Authorities said the corresponding tender will be published shortly with a larger budget than originally anticipated, increasing the resources assigned to the project’s northern platform without changing the construction schedule or the federal government’s budgetary commitment.

MBN previously reported that the new tender covers dredging work and the construction of the 40ha northern platform. The procedure represents a central component of the broader plan to expand the port’s land and maritime infrastructure and accommodate higher cargo volumes.

Díaz described the modernization of the Port of Altura of Progreso as one of the flagship projects of the state’s Renacimiento Maya development strategy. Morales says the project will reinforce Mexico’s foreign trade capabilities and support the country’s nearshoring strategy.

Private Investment Supports Port Modernization

The project is also attracting investment from terminal operators. SSA Marine committed MX$948 million to develop infrastructure at Puerto Progreso, supporting the port’s navigation capacity and its broader modernization program, MBN reports.

This private investment complements federal and state resources and reflects growing commercial interest in expanding port services in Yucatan. Additional terminals and industrial space could allow Puerto Progreso to diversify its operations while strengthening its capacity to handle containers, bulk cargo, cruise vessels, and other maritime activities.

Yucatan is positioning its port, rail, and industrial infrastructure as part of a coordinated strategy to attract domestic and international investment, MBN reports. The state’s projects include industrial development areas, energy infrastructure, and transportation connections intended to reduce logistics costs and improve access to markets.

Port Expansion Connects With Mayan Train Freight Network

Puerto Progreso’s modernization is expected to complement the freight phase of the Mayan Train. MBN reports that the railway’s cargo infrastructure will include an intermodal terminal in Progreso and the rehabilitation and construction of rail infrastructure between Merida and the port. The planned connection is intended to facilitate cargo movements between Yucatan’s industrial areas, the Mayan Train network and maritime trade routes.

The first 12 locomotives for the Mayan Train’s freight operations have already arrived, marking progress in the development of a regional logistics system in which Puerto Progreso will serve as a key gateway for imports and exports. 

The integration of maritime and rail infrastructure could improve connections between the Yucatan Peninsula, the Gulf of Mexico and other southeastern logistics corridors. It could also support industries seeking access to additional transportation alternatives and industrial locations closer to North American markets.

Once completed, the expansion will increase Puerto Progreso’s capacity to receive larger vessels, establish new terminals, and attract logistics and manufacturing investment. Together with the Mayan Train freight system and Yucatan’s emerging industrial projects, the port is expected to become a more prominent component of Mexico’s national logistics network.