Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has voiced federal support for the planned Punta Colonet port in Baja California, describing it as a potential alternative for cargo operations currently handled by heavily congested ports in Southern California.
During her Friday morning press conference, Sheinbaum explained that the project is being developed by the Baja California state government, with the involvement of Mexico’s Navy Secretariat (SEMAR), which oversees federal port matters.
The announcement places Punta Colonet within a broader effort to expand the region’s capacity to move goods between Mexico and the United States.
New port could provide another route for U.S.-bound cargo
Sheinbaum said one of the project’s main objectives is to offer an alternative to the Port of Long Beach in California, which faces congestion as a major entry point for international goods.
The proposed facility would give companies additional options for moving merchandise into the United States, either by truck or rail. It could also facilitate the distribution of products within Mexico, expanding transportation options for domestic trade.
For Baja California, the project represents an opportunity to strengthen its role in cross-border logistics and international commerce.
Baja California would oversee the port’s development
Although the federal government will participate through SEMAR, Sheinbaum clarified that Punta Colonet is a project led by the Baja California government.
She explained that Mexico has precedents for ports managed by state governments, citing the port of Matamoros in Tamaulipas as an example. In these cases, the federal government can facilitate the transfer of port-related rights to state authorities.
According to the president, Baja California has already received authorization from the Navy Secretariat to move forward with the development.
Marina del Pilar proposed the project
Sheinbaum credited Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Avila with introducing the Punta Colonet proposal early in her administration.
The project entered its initial development phase after the governor led the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2026, marking the start of the port’s development process.
The president said she would share additional information about the project at a later date.
