Puerto del Norte Launches Operations in Matamoros, Set to Become Northeast Mexico’s New Industrial and Logistics Hub

With a 30-year development vision, the T-MEC Puerto del Norte terminal in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, has officially launched operations, positioning itself as a strategic asset for international trade, industrial connectivity, and energy development in northeastern Mexico.

Located just 80 kilometers from the U.S. border—about one hour and ten minutes by land—the port serves as a binational platform due to its proximity to the world's largest consumer market. It also stands out as the first deep-sea port inaugurated in Mexico in the past 20 years.

Technical Features and Competitive Advantages

The new terminal offers:

• Nearly 60 hectares of surface area and almost one kilometer of waterfront access
• A 3,800-meter navigation channel and a 138-meter dock
• Initial dredging of -12 meters, ideal for deep-draft vessels
• Over 324 hectares allocated for port development and 100,000 hectares for industrial development
• 1,100 hectares of water surface and 770 hectares of solid land
• Environmental and operational certifications including ISPS, MIA-R, and MIA-P
• Road and rail connectivity, along with proximity to offshore platforms like Trión, operated by Woodside Energy

Designed as a multipurpose terminal, Puerto del Norte is equipped to handle roll-on/roll-off, container, bulk, mineral, offshore, and general cargo operations. This versatility is expected to ease land border congestion, reducing logistics costs and time for industries in Monterrey, Saltillo, San Luis Potosí, and the Tamaulipas corridor from Laredo to Matamoros.

José Miguel Bejos, Chairman of Mota Engil México, stated:

"Our goal is for the T-MEC Terminal to become a driver of trade, a space for energy development, a hub for industrial parks, a new frontier for the northeast, a beacon of prosperity, and a reflection of our trust in Mexico’s future."

Gustavo Guzmán Fernández, Head of the Tamaulipas Port Administration (API), encouraged the business community:

"Today we have a great port—it belongs to you. Use it. Let’s work hand in hand to build partnerships and attract more cargo, more ships, and more investment."

Sustainability and Social Commitment

The project features a renewable energy program powered by solar solutions to reduce carbon emissions. It also includes a designated RAMSAR-protected area and promotes social inclusion in local communities such as Higuerillas and El Mezquital through local hiring, training, and community development.

Additionally, a collaboration agreement was signed with the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas to foster port and maritime education for young professionals, helping to generate local employment opportunities.

Investment and Regional Development

During the opening ceremony, the port marked the beginning of operations with the first vehicle shipment via the cargo ship Integrador, under the concession granted by the Mexican Navy to Mota Engil México, which announced an investment exceeding MX$4 billion.

Key attendees included José Miguel Bejos, Chairman of Mota Engil México; Javier García Bejos, Director of Special Projects for Latin America at Mota Engil; Admiral José Barradas Cobos, Undersecretary of Merchant Marine; Rear Admiral Víctor Manuel Salas Hernández, Director of the Matamoros Naval Sector; Governor of Tamaulipas Américo Villarreal Anaya; and Matamoros Mayor José Alberto Granados. Representatives from API and leading business chambers also attended, including Eduardo A. Garza Robles (UNI-TRADE and COMCE Noreste Chapter Laredo), Oscar Macario Farías García (CANACINTRA Matamoros), Eduardo Haro Panduro (CMIC Tamaulipas), and Abraham Rodríguez Padrón (CANACO Matamoros), among others.

With this new infrastructure, northeast Mexico enters a decisive phase of economic, logistical, and energy development, aligning with global nearshoring trends and strengthening its position as a strategic node in international trade.