Posted on June 15, 2026
The expansion and modernization of the port of Progreso, in the Mexican state of Yucatán, moved forward with the launch of a tender to carry out dredging works and build a 40ha port platform, a key project to increase the terminal’s operating capacity, although the investment is not available.
The National Port System Administration (Asipona) Progreso, under the Ministry of the Navy (Semar), published procedure LO-13-J2U-013J2U002-N-5-2026 entitled “Construction dredging and formation of the 40-hectare north platform of the first stage of the Progreso port expansion and modernization project”.
The project is part of the macroproject “Construction, expansion, modernization and maintenance of the Port of Progreso”, whose estimated investment amounts to 7.225 billion (bn) pesos (US$420 million (mn)), according to Proyectos México and the current exchange rate.
In accordance with the bidding schedule, the call for bids was published on May 29, while the receipt and opening of proposals is scheduled for June 24. The decision will be issued on July 8, the contract will be signed on July 22, and construction is scheduled to begin on July 27. The contract will be in force until February 28, 2027.
According to Proyectos México, the program includes dredging of approximately 12.9 million m³ and the construction of two 40ha platforms each to expand the port’s navigation and operation areas.
Dredging
The project profile indicates that the works include construction dredging in the curve and widening area, the secondary and transition channel, the complementary area, and the west berthing dock. It also includes dredging operations, topo-bathymetric surveys, installation of pipelines, extraction and disposal of material on the new port platform.
The bidding documentation indicates that the dredging will cover an area with a total volume of 1.41 million m³. Part of the material extracted will be used for the north dissipation barrier and the rest to form the perimeter embankment and begin filling the north platform, a key component of the port expansion.
Port expansion
According to a technical presentation by Asipona Progreso, the project considers the “dredging of the interior of the port and construction of two 40-hectare platforms each”, in addition to deepening the inner basin to -12.50m, two new 600m-diameter turning basins, 16 additional berthing positions, 4,500m of quays, and two wave dissipation barriers of 1,500m and 830m.
The expansion will increase the port’s operational area from the current 34ha to 114ha through the addition of 80ha of new platforms. Likewise, the navigation channel will be widened from 150m to 180m, its length will increase from 7.4km to 8.1km, and it will reach a depth of -13.30m.
According to Proyectos México, the macroproject contemplates “two platforms of 40 hectares each for a total of 80 hectares through the creation of new navigable areas”.
First phase already executed
The new tender adds to the work already carried out by the government of Yucatán in the first phase of the project. According to Proyectos México, dredging of the navigation channel and of a section of the curve and widening began in August 2025 and was completed on March 19 this year.
In September, APM Terminals Mexico announced an investment of 3.000bn pesos (US$163mn) to modernize its container terminal in Puerto Progreso, Yucatán, with a 19-year plan that includes infrastructure upgrades, equipment acquisition, and the incorporation of advanced technology.
The company, whose most important terminal in the country is in the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas, stated that the objective is to increase operational efficiency, service reliability, and strengthen the maritime and logistics connectivity of the southeastern region of the country.
The expansion of Progreso is part of the federal strategy to strengthen the national maritime infrastructure. Within Mexico’s port plan, the Yucatecan port is listed among the six priority terminals along with Ensenada, Manzanillo-Cuyutlán, Lázaro Cárdenas, Acapulco, and Veracruz, backed by a combination of public and private investment to increase the country’s logistics and commercial capacity.
