The new TPP bulk handling facility at the Mexican port of Lazaro Ca´rdenas has commenced operations. It’s the first and only terminal of its type at the port. Investment has been in the order of $55 million and regular operations are due to commence at the beginning of December.
The terminal, which covers an area of 25ha, is being developed in two stages. At the beginning of September, the first berth, which has alongside draught of 16.5m, will be put into operation and able to accommodate vessels of up to 180,000dwt.
Lazaro Ca´rdenas is the only port in Mexico able to accept vessels of this size.
It is expected to receive inbound consignments from both Australia and China conveying coal. Outbound cargo is expected to be iron ore en route to China.
Capacity at the port will be around 3mt (million tonnes) to 3.5mt annually. The facility will be connected to the rest of the country by both road and rail, with some consignments expected to go to the United States, especially to the state of Texas, which is to export coal to China.
BC