The Mexican federal government has officially granted the concession title for the Punta Colonet multimodal port project to the state of Baja California. The move, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and facilitated by the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), promises to dramatically increase Mexico’s export capacity and establish a new economic hub.
“Today begins a stage that will transform our state. Punta Colonet will be driving force of work and growth that will open doors for thousands of families and will put Baja California firmly on the map of international trade,” Governor Marina del Pilar said.
Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, Secretary of the Navy, emphasized that SEMAR’s involvement will ensure the project advances with security and certainty. He described the venture as a reflection of the federal government’s commitment to national logistical development.
Strategically located 240 kilometers south of the U.S. border, the deep-water port is designed to become a primary gateway to the North American market. A key objective is to alleviate the chronic congestion at major California ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach, offering a streamlined alternative for transpacific cargo.
The project outlines the construction of a massive, high-capacity terminal featuring a 17.5-meter draft, capable of handling the world’s largest cargo ships. Plans include state-of-the-art automation, logistical intelligence systems, and versatile infrastructure for various types of cargo. The port will be complemented by a dedicated industrial and services zone intended to spur economic development in the southern part of the state.
According to Kurt Honold Morales, Baja California’s Secretary of Economy and Innovation, the construction phase alone will generate approximately 4,500 direct jobs and over 30,000 indirect jobs, benefiting sectors such as road transport, local commerce, medical services, and lodging, which will be reflected in far-reaching regional growth.
Once fully operational, the port and its surrounding ecosystem are forecast to create more than 30,000 permanent positions in logistics, manufacturing, mining, and transportation.
Officials also anticipate a major social impact, predicting that the project will lead to improved infrastructure for education, healthcare, and public services, alongside greater regional connectivity.
The project has received the necessary environmental permits, with officials promising a development model that prioritizes sustainability and responsibility. Construction is planned in three phases between 2026 and 2035, ultimately encompassing a 2,769-hectare area with an 83-hectare port facility.
With Punta Colonet, Mexico estimates it will increase its Pacific export volume by more than 35%, providing a powerful boost to key national sectors. Morales Ángeles also assured that the project will be a safe and modern port, giving Baja California a strategic role in international trade and attracting investments that will strengthen industries such as mining, manufacturing, and logistics.
Finally, Governor Marina del Pilar stated that what was a long-held aspiration for decades is now becoming a commitment turned into reality, driven by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. Punta Colonet will be the port of the future, made reality in the present.
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