The state of Campeche is preparing for the modernization of its ports in Ciudad del Carmen and Seybaplaya, aiming to become a global logistics hub, taking advantage of the opportunities of the Mayan Train and the Interoceanic Corridor.
The state of Campeche seeks to trigger global trade and industrial activity in its seaports in Ciudad del Carmen and Seybaplaya, with the aim of diversifying its economy and taking advantage of the routes of the Mayan Train and the Interoceanic Corridor, as well as the Dos Bocas refinery, revealed the Integral Port Administration of Campeche (Apicam) in conjunction with the company Oil and Gas Alliance.
At a conference, Apicam and Alliance announced a business tour, “we are at a key moment, our mission in Asia is to attract investments that drive growth and position the ports of Campeche as world-class logistics hubs,” said Janette Olivares, director of operators and states of Alliance.
The objectives are to attract companies dedicated to offshore hydrocarbon processes that provide supply services for storage, processing and construction of floating systems. The modernization and expansion of port infrastructure for a 200% increase in cargo tons and 126% in vessel arrivals. And the economic development of the state that triggers job creation, tourism and turns Campeche into a strategic node in global logistics, added the specialist.
During the visit to companies such as China Communications Construction Company, Shenzhen Yantian Port Group and Hutchison Ports, among others, the port of Seybaplaya will be shown as a potential for industrial growth, “China will be the beginning, and from there the development of many projects,” commented Gilberto Romero Ortegón, planning director of Apicam.
More investments for federal works
The plan includes million-dollar investments in infrastructure to expand the capacity and connectivity of the ports of Ciudad del Carmen and Seybaplaya. José Adam Aguilar, commercial director of Apicam, said that the objective of this federal and state project is to create a synergy with the Dos Bocas refinery, so that the commercial volume of energy fluids, services, supplies and personnel for oil platforms increases.
“One of the announcements of the future president is that the Interoceanic Corridor and the Mayan Train will receive new investments to not only have passenger trains, but to convert them into commercial cargo trains,” with this, it is expected that the ports of the southeast, especially those of Campeche, can operate bulk terminals, containers, oil supply, platforms and ships; but also diversify from the oil sector to all the needs of the Yucatan peninsula and the state of Campeche, said Aguilar.
The port of Isla del Carmen, the most important in the country, is of great importance due to its connectivity with the oil companies, with 18,000 arrivals per year and the movement of 600,000 people who get on and off the oil platforms, in addition to the transfer of supplies for their operation. In the industrial park located next to the port, 100 companies have settled that are responsible for supplying Pemex. Among these, there are companies from countries such as Russia, France, the United Kingdom and China, which provide the necessary services for this industry.
In this port, works will be carried out to expand its capacity and attract new investments, with an amount of 1.6 billion pesos, the intention is to increase the depth of the dredging from four to seven meters, in addition to the expansion of two hectares and one linear kilometer for the reception of vessels, explained José Adam Aguilar, commercial director of Apicam.
Potential in Seybaplaya
The other important port in Campeche is Seybaplaya, which served as the main port to which more than a million tons of ballast used in the construction of the railways of sections 2 and 3 of the Mayan Train arrived, therefore, it will become the specialized node in these sections, housing supplies and managing import, export and cabotage issues, as well as the supply required by the Mayan Train, Aguilar explained.
Seybaplaya is located 30 km from the capital of Campeche. The expansion of the port consists of the construction of a 5.5 km long viaduct towards the sea, with a depth of up to 12 meters. The installation of 10 platforms, with a surface area of 18 hectares each, will allow new settlements, with an investment of 4,000 million pesos.
They are also planning a railway connection with the Mayan Train, since the port is 30 kilometers away. Apicam estimates that the amount for the construction of this branch would be 2.5 billion pesos depending on the size of the cargo it will transport. The project will be presented to future president Claudia Sheinbaum.
Economic boost
Agapito Ceballos, general director of Apicam, stated that what they are looking for is for Campeche to also participate in this push that is being given to the Mexican southeast regarding economic development, “the intention is to strengthen the supply needs of the entire peninsular area with the movement of the vessels, this is a great opportunity that opens up for both national and international companies”, in this sense, in October the Apicam Port Investment Attraction Forum will be held.
Among the economic boost projects in Campeche is the investment of a Cruz Azul plant, in Seybaplaya; the arrival of the first automotive company, the Korean CEWS; the section of the Cuxtal II gas pipeline belonging to Mayakán; the modernization of the thermoelectric plant in Lerma, Campeche, which will be a combined cycle with natural gas; and a light train from the Mayan Train to the capital city, and the boardwalk to promote tourism.
Source: eleconomista
