Finished vehicle logistics provider SSA Mexico has announced the start of car handling operations at the port of Lázaro Cárdenas in Mexico. Initial volumes were loaded on board an NYK Line vessel destined for markets in Latin America.
SSA Mexico is a subsidiary of Carrix, one of the largest privately-owned port operators in the world. The port of Lázaro Cárdenas began loading Mexican-produced vehicles for export to Latin American countries at the beginning of October.
“This marks the commencement of operations which will later involve the construction and operation of a major ro-ro facility in Lázaro Cárdenas,” SSA Mexico said in a statement. “The new terminal will be one-of-a-kind in Mexico, offering 600 meters of waterfront, two berthing positions dedicated to ro-ro vessels, 42 hectares of storage yard, and an array of vehicle services.”
It is reported that the port has expanded its operations to ease the congestion issues at the southern Californian ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Rail and highway infrastructure within the north-south route through the country has also been improved to better accommodate the increased goods moving through the area.
The company has additional vehicle handling terminals at the ports of Acapulco, Manzanillo and Veracruz. Cargo moves into and out of the port via road and rail, with rail services provided exclusively by Kansas City Southern de Mexico.
Lázaro Cárdenas operates a deepwater seaport, and handles container, dry bulk and liquid cargo. In 2012, the port handled 1.24m units but plans to expand to a capacity of 2.2m units annually.
