SSA Marine Mexico Digitizes Manzanillo Port Operations

SSA Marine Mexico modernized its Manzanillo operations by replacing five legacy systems with BITA, an Oracle APEX-based platform that automates 95% of workflows. The move strengthens port efficiency, real-time visibility, and digital integration at Mexico’s leading container gateway.

SSA Marine Mexico eliminated all legacy systems across two terminals in Manzanillo after integrating Oracle APEX into its port operations, creating a unified digital backbone for cargo handling, storage, and import-export processes.

The company replaced five separate legacy tools with a single application, BITA, which now automates 95% of its operational workflows, according to Oracle. The system supports end-to-end management, control, visibility, and tracking of import and export operations across SSA Marine Mexico’s business areas. It also integrates data with customs, carriers, and client systems, improving decision-making and reducing errors and rework.

“Oracle APEX was the key to simplifying our complex IT landscape. We unified five separate legacy tools into a single application, BITA, which now automates 95% of our operational workflows,” says Jose Reyes, Architect and Head of Development, SSA Marine Mexico, in Oracle’s case study.

Legacy Systems Replaced by Unified Platform

Before adopting Oracle APEX, SSA Marine Mexico operated with multiple legacy tools, databases, and programming languages. This fragmented architecture created siloed data, duplicate records, slower development cycles, higher maintenance costs, and greater technical constraints. Oracle said the lack of integration also limited the system’s ability to support multiple locations, terminals, and cargo types.

The modernization focused on BITA, SSA Marine Mexico’s core internal application. Through Oracle APEX, the company centralized processes related to cargo movement, logistics coordination, reporting, and operational visibility. The system now helps reduce vessel and cargo waiting times at the port by giving teams access to real-time information and analytics.

The implementation also reduced third-party service charges and software license costs linked to SSA Marine Mexico’s previous service portal and mobile development tools. Oracle said this allowed the company to simplify its technology environment while building a more scalable operational platform.

Digitalization Gains Relevance in Port Operations

SSA Marine Mexico’s digital transformation comes as port operators face growing pressure to improve efficiency, visibility, and interoperability across logistics chains. Manzanillo remains Mexico’s leading container port, and SSA Marine Mexico operates key infrastructure there, including a specialized container terminal with a 1,350m dock, 32ha for container operations, static capacity of 33,000 TEUs, rail connections, refrigerated cargo plugs, and off-dock capacity for empty containers.

SSA Marine Mexico has been present in the country since 1995 and operates in major ports including Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas, Progreso, Tuxpan, Veracruz, and Cozumel. The company provides services for containerized cargo, automobiles, cruises, and general cargo.

In 2025, SSA Marine Mexico handled 2.06 million TEUs across its three container terminals, including two in Manzanillo and one in Tuxpan, according to Seatrade Maritime. In Manzanillo alone, the company handled 1.65 million TEUs, while the port recorded 3.89 million TEUs during the year.

AI, Security, and Cloud Migration Next

Following the migration, SSA Marine Mexico now runs its BITA system on a centralized architecture supported by Oracle AI Database, Oracle APEX, and Oracle REST Data Services. Oracle said the company has moved all legacy applications to Oracle APEX 24.2, with business logic and data validation handled at the database level.

The company’s next stage will focus on AI, cybersecurity, multilingual applications, and a possible cloud migration. SSA Marine Mexico plans to use AI to improve software development and enhance the end-user experience, while two-factor authentication is expected to strengthen system security.

The roadmap also includes multi-language applications, a step aligned with SSA Marine’s global operations. SSA Marine is part of a group operating more than 250 port and logistics terminals in nine countries, with partnerships across the Americas, Asia, and the European Union.