New Port North of Mazatlán: A Game-Changer for North American Trade

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As Mazatlán prepares to unveil its ambitious Mazatlán New Port project, located just 60 kilometers north of the city near Dimas, San Ignacio, the implications for the region’s economy and real estate market are significant. This transformative $3.3 billion initiative, part of the T-MEC (USMCA) Corridor, is set to establish Mazatlán as a crucial logistics hub, connecting North America with Asia. With the projected capacity to handle up to 8 million TEUs annually—an astounding increase from the existing port’s mere 50,000 TEUs—this development not only promises to streamline trade but also to create a wealth of opportunities for real estate investors.

The Mazatlán New Port is set to become the most important in Mexico and would be complementary to Mazatlán’s current port. Auto imports from China have surged in Mazatlán’s current port brining it to the 3rd place after Lazaro Cardenas and Manzanillo. Previously, Mazatlán counted approximately 25,000 auto imports climbing to 130,000 in September 2024. For this reason, current port facilities, warehouses and storage yards are also currently being upgraded.

As infrastructure and demand for residential and commercial properties surge in response to the port’s growth, savvy investors are poised to capitalize on the region’s burgeoning real estate market. The port project comes alongside many completed and undergoing projects within the city of Mazatlán such as the new Central Park, the Sea of Cortez Aquarium, renovations and increased capacities to the soccer and baseball stadiums, airport renovations, improved security services and lighting throughout the city and a night-time beautification project of indirect lighting of city monuments. Other industrial and engineering projects such as the major Aerospace Park and improved access via a private jet airport are keeping Mazatlán at the forefront of innovation in Mexico.

Key Features and Strategic Impact

The Mazatlán New Port is designed to handle between 4 to 8 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually, a significant increase from the current port’s capacity of 50,000 TEUs. This expansion positions Mazatlán to compete with major Mexican ports such as Manzanillo (3 million TEUs) and Lázaro Cárdenas (1.5 million TEUs), as well as the U.S. West Coast ports of Long Beach and San Pedro, which handle around 10 million TEUs annually. By relieving some of the strain on these saturated ports, Mazatlán’s new facility could divert millions of TEUs, especially those destined for the Eastern United States.

Infrastructure and Sustainable Design

The Mazatlán New Port will feature deep-water capacity to accommodate large cargo vessels without the need for continuous dredging, a costly and environmentally taxing process. Instead, the port will be constructed three to four kilometers offshore, connected to land by an elevated bridge. This approach, led by Texas-based Puerto Verde Holdings and Mexico-based Caxxor Group, leverages advanced engineering to minimize environmental impact and enhance operational sustainability.

The location near Dimas was specifically chosen for its natural depth, eliminating the need for dredging and allowing it to receive massive cargo ships that typically cannot dock at the existing port within the city center.

Part of the T-MEC (USMCA) Corridor

The Mazatlán New Port is the starting point of the T-MEC (USMCA) Corridor, a vast infrastructure initiative that includes:

• 300 kilometers of rail infrastructure connecting Mazatlán with key inland routes in Mexico.
• Logistics centers strategically placed along the route through Monterrey, Laredo, Dallas, Tulsa, and Chicago.

The Corridor leverages existing infrastructure in the U.S. and Canada, requiring minimal upgrades, while 80% of the new development is concentrated within Mexico. This network will streamline trade routes across North America, creating a direct, efficient link between Asia and the eastern U.S., where demand for streamlined logistics is high.

Economic and Sectoral Benefits

This port will play a vital role in enhancing Mexico’s trade capacity across numerous sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, and energy. According to Ian Martin, CEO of Engage Construction Management and Consulting, the Mazatlán New Port will enable seamless export of agricultural products from Sinaloa to Asia and facilitate imports through Texas to the eastern United States. The facility promises to provide a substantial cost-saving benefit, with estimates suggesting a reduction of up to $1,000 per container compared to routing through Houston.

Sustainable, Phased Development and Future Growth

The initial phase of the port project requires an investment of $700 million, with the potential for exponential growth based on demand. Puerto Verde Holdings, which leads the project’s development, has partnered with the government of Sinaloa and the Secretary of Economy to ensure that the project aligns with international standards for sustainable port construction. The project’s modular design will allow it to scale up gradually, adapting to increasing cargo volumes and trade demand over time.

Once fully operational, this port will not only support Mazatlán’s local economy but will also enhance the T-MEC Corridor’s role as a vital artery for North American trade. This transformational project solidifies Mazatlán’s status as a major player in the logistics and trade sectors, providing investors with a promising opportunity in an area poised for sustained growth and development.

The Mazatlán New Port project represents a watershed moment for Mazatlán, positioning the city as a pivotal player in North American trade and logistics. As the local economy flourishes with job creation and increased business activity, the real estate market is expected to experience a corresponding boom. Investors have a unique opportunity to engage in a dynamic market characterized by rising property values and a growing demand for diverse real estate offerings.