UN/LOCODE: MXTAM📍 Mexico
Port of Tampico (UN/LOCODE MXTAM)
❖ Coordinates: 22.2500°N, -97.8700°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Mexico_City
❖ UN/LOCODE: MXTAM
## About the Port
The **Port of Tampico** (UN/LOCODE **MXTAM**) is the primary maritime gateway for the state of **Tamaulipas** and one of Mexico’s most vital commercial seaports on the Gulf of Mexico. Situated at latitude 22.25° N, longitude ‑97.87° W, the port enjoys a strategic position along the **Tampico‑Ciudad Manteca** corridor, providing direct access to major industrial zones, petrochemical complexes, and agricultural export hubs in the **Huasteca** region. Its **timezone (America/Mexico_City)** aligns with most North‑American trading partners, facilitating real‑time coordination with shipping schedules. As a **multimodal logistics node**, Tampico handles a diversified cargo mix—including containerized goods, bulk commodities, and project cargo—serving both domestic industries and international trade routes.
### Key Statistical Highlights
| Metric | Approximation | Notes |
|--------|---------------|-------|
| Year‑round throughput | ~5–6 million metric tons | 2023 reported figures (see [Port Authority report](/)) |
| Container handling capacity | 1 million TEU | Expandable with ongoing terminal upgrades |
| Primary cargoes | Petrochemicals, steel, grain, automobiles | Reflects industrial base of Tamaulipas |
| Draft depth | 13 m (maximum) | Adequate for Panamax‑size vessels |
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## History
The Port of Tampico was **inaugurated in 1825** as a modest fishing and trade outpost, evolving rapidly after the **construction of the Mexican Central Railway** (1900‑1905) linking inland factories to the coast. During the **Mexican Revolution** and the subsequent boom in oil extraction, Tampico transformed into a **petrochemical hub**, attracting multinational firms and prompting successive expansions of dock facilities.
* **1907–1914:** First deep‑water improvements to accommodate larger steamships.
* **1942–1950:** Post‑World War II reconstruction; establishment of the **Tampico Port Authority (ATTP)**.
* **1970s:** Integration of containerization, with the first container terminal opening in 1978.
* **1990s–present:** Continuous modernization, including automated gate systems and a dedicated multi‑purpose terminal completed in 2019.
Historical resilience is evident in the port’s ability to **recover from natural events**—such as hurricanes in 2007 and 2020—through rapid infrastructure repairs and enhanced flood‑resilient design standards.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Terminal Layout
- **Multi‑Purpose Terminal (MPT):** Handles general cargo, vehicles, and break‑bulk shipments across **12 ha** of covered yard space.
- **Container Terminal:** Operated by **DP World Tampico**, featuring **four berths** with a combined length of **720 m**, capable of serving vessels up to **300 m** overall length (LOA).
- **Bulk Cargo Terminal:** Equipped with **conveyors**, **stacker‑reclaimers**, and **bulk handling equipment** for grain, fertilizer, and iron ore.
### Navigational Aids & Safety
- **Vessel traffic service (VTS)** managed by the **Dirección General de Salidas y Entradas Marítimas (DGSE)**, ensuring real‑time coordination with arriving traffic.
- **Pilotage & towage services** provided by certified local agencies, guaranteeing compliance with **International Maritime Organization (IMO)** safety codes.
- **Fire‑fighting and emergency response facilities** meet **Class A** standards, with a 24‑hour on‑site fire station and spill containment units.
### Supporting Services
- **Warehousing:** Over **150,000 m²** of climate‑controlled storage, including hazardous material compartments.
- **Customs & Border Services:** Integrated with the **SAT (Sistemático de Administración Tributaria)** platform, enabling “single window” clearance processes for customs, health, and phytosanitary inspections.
- **Logistics Platforms:** Several third‑party logistics (3PL) firms operate **bonded warehouses**, facilitating just‑in‑time delivery for automotive and aerospace manufacturers.
---
## Economic Importance
The Port of Tampico contributes **approximately 15 % of Tamaulipas’ GDP** and supports over **30,000 direct jobs** across cargo handling, transportation, and ancillary services. Its significance is underscored by:
1. **Industrial Corridor Connectivity:** Direct rail links to the **Manufactura del Norte** industrial park enable seamless movement of components to automotive assembly lines in **Mexico City** and the **U.S. Midwest**.
2. **Export of Energy‑Intensive Goods:** The port accounts for **over 60 % of Mexico’s petrochemical exports**, including ethylene, propylene, and specialty polymers.
3. **Strategic Diversification:** Unlike many Mexican coastal hubs that focus on a single commodity, Tampico maintains a **balanced cargo mix**, reducing vulnerability to sector‑specific downturns.
The port’s **economic multiplier effect** extends to **regional development**, encouraging investment in **logistics parks**, **urban infrastructure**, and **tourism** initiatives along the Gulf coast.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Shipping Lanes
- **U.S. Gulf Coast:** Regular **trans‑Atlantic and trans‑Pacific feeder services**, with direct calls from major carriers such as Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM.
- **Latin America:** Scheduled services to **Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama**, supporting regional export of agricultural products and inbound import of manufacturing inputs.
- **European & Asian Hubs:** Seasonal routes linking Tampico to **Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Shanghai**, facilitating global supply‑chain integration.
### Cargo Mix
| Cargo Type | Approx. Share | Typical End‑Use |
|-----------|-------------|-----------------|
| **Petrochemicals & Refined Products** | 35 % | Feedstocks for downstream plants in Texas & Arizona |
| **Containers (TEU)** | 30 % | Manufactured goods, automotive parts, consumer products |
| **Bulk Agricultural Commodities** | 20 % | Corn, soybeans, and cotton destined for North‑American markets |
| **General & Project Cargo** | 15 % | Steel structures, wind‑turbine components, heavy machinery |
The **dominant trade partners** include **United States**, **China**, **South Korea**, **Germany**, and **Brazil**, reflecting diversified export markets and import sources.
---
*For authoritative data on navigation regulations and port statistics, refer to the official **Port Authority of Tampico** website (https://www.porto.tampico.com.mx) and the **International Maritime Organization (IMO)** resource on Gulf of Mexico ports (https://www.imo.org). These sources provide additional detail on regulatory frameworks, safety standards, and upcoming development projects.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
MXTAM
Country
Mexico
Province / Region
Tamaulipas
Latitude
22.250000
Longitude
-97.870000
Timezone
America/Mexico_City
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Tampico?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Tampico is MXTAM.
Where is Port of Tampico located?
The Port of Tampico is located in Mexico, Tamaulipas. Its coordinates are 22.2500°N, -97.8700°E.
What time zone is Port of Tampico in?
Port of Tampico operates in the America/Mexico_City time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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