The Port of Manzanillo was once again a scene of activity and modernization. On October 20, three hybrid RTG cranes manufactured by ZPMC arrived and are being integrated into the Specialized Container Terminal II (TEC II), operated by Contecon Manzanillo. This is another step in the company’s expansion project under Phase 3B, aimed at strengthening its infrastructure and consolidating its position as a benchmark for operational efficiency in Mexico and Latin America.
These cranes, equipped with high-efficiency diesel engines and lithium batteries, symbolize a strategic investment in foreign trade and a commitment to sustainability. Their incorporation will reduce fuel consumption by up to 50% compared to conventional equipment, a step forward that reflects the company’s long-term vision: combining productivity with environmental responsibility.
“The incorporation of these hybrid cranes and future acquisitions marks a decisive step toward the port operation of the future. In 2023, we began studies for their hybridization, which now allows us to have fully equipped equipment. With this technology, we have reduced our fuel consumption and emissions by more than half, while increasing the efficiency of our operations. This investment reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability, aligned with the highest carbon-neutral standards,” said José Antonio Contreras, CEO of Contecon Manzanillo, quoted in a press release.
The new equipment is part of a comprehensive expansion strategy that seeks to provide the port with a modern, sustainable infrastructure capable of responding to the growing dynamism of international trade. The hybrid RTGs not only reduce the environmental footprint but also incorporate an artificial intelligence-assisted remote control system designed to optimize cargo movements and increase operational safety. This technology also facilitates operator training, adapting them to more automated and precise processes.
This effort is part of the company’s environmental commitments, which currently holds ISO 14064 Carbon Neutral certification. In this way, Contecon Manzanillo reaffirms its role as one of the country’s most innovative terminals, aligned with the international standards that define port competitiveness today.
Behind this technological advancement lies the vision of its parent company, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), a global operator with a presence in 34 terminals in 20 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Founded in 1987, ICTSI has consolidated a philosophy of expansion based on efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, principles that Contecon Manzanillo has embraced since its installation in the northern part of the Colima port.
The arrival of the new hybrid cranes is not just the addition of equipment: it represents the transition toward a smart port operating model, where energy efficiency, automation, and emissions reduction are intertwined as pillars of growth. In an increasingly demanding global environment, Contecon Manzanillo is committed to anticipating the future with technology and vision, reinforcing its commitment to making the port a hub for sustainable trade in the Mexican Pacific.
Source: t21
