Porter Wins Multipurpose Terminal Contract in Lazaro Cardenas

Porter Holding wins the contract to develop and operate a new multipurpose terminal at the Port of Lazaro Cardenas, adding capacity for cabotage, mineral bulk, and general cargo as part of a broader port modernization push in Michoacan. The project strengthens the port’s diversification strategy and aligns with larger public-private investment plans aimed at expanding logistics infrastructure, trade capacity, and regional development.

Porter Holding has won the contract to develop and operate a new multipurpose terminal at the Port of Lazaro Cardenas, marking the group’s entry into one of Mexico’s most strategic Pacific trade hubs. The project covers the construction, equipping, operation, and exploitation of a public-use terminal for cabotage cargo, mineral bulk, and general cargo, excluding containerized operations, on a 204,598.48m² site within the port precinct. The contract was awarded under a 19-year partial assignment of rights scheme.

According to Proyectos México, the tender was announced on Feb. 14, 2025, the ruling in favor of Porter Lazaro Cardenas, S.A. de C.V. was issued on Aug. 21, 2025, and the contract was signed on Jan. 26, 2026. The same project file identifies associated companies linked to the awardee, including Grupo Regio Cal, Porter Dos Bocas, and Teds Latam.

Proyectos México states that the area must be handed over within 120 days after contract signing, setting a deadline of May 26, 2026. Construction must begin within 90 days after approval of the executive project by the General Directorate of Ports, while operations are scheduled to start within 730 days after area handover, with an estimated deadline of May 25, 2028.

Lazaro Cardenas closed 2025 with 27.3 million t transferred, with 63% of cargo tied to imports, 27% to exports, and 10% to cabotage. Containerized cargo represented 49% of total throughput, mineral bulk 30%, and the remaining 21% came from automotive cargo, general cargo, agricultural bulk, fluids, and petroleum products. The port also moved 2.6 million TEUs in 2025, up 9% year over year, and handled 804,955 vehicles, a 19% increase. 

The new terminal also fits into a broader expansion cycle at Lazaro Cardenas. Recent reports on port investment indicate that private capital is already expanding capacity through projects led by Hutchison Ports LCT, APM Terminals, SSA Marine México, and Hyundai Glovis, while the new TUM was identified as part of the port’s next-stage infrastructure pipeline. In that sense, Porter’s arrival does not just add another operator; it broadens the range of cargo segments and business models present at the port.

Under Plan Michoacán, the federal government and private sector are expected to jointly invest MX$14 billion (US$750 million) to modernize the Port of Lazaro Cardenas. The initiative is tied to a broader state development strategy centered on job creation, investment attraction, and export capacity, with port modernization as one of its core pillars. The plan also includes the development of cold-chain infrastructure and expanded terminal capacity to strengthen the port’s role in regional growth.

These upgrades aligns with the federal government’s port modernization plan announced on July 23, 2025, which contemplates more than MX$296 billion (US$15.9 billion) in public and private investment across strategic ports including Ensenada, Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas, Acapulco, Veracruz, Progreso, Guaymas, Topolobampo, and Altamira.