Economic and Financial Opinion Column
«ALTAMIRA AND ITS PORT: EMBLEM OF DEVELOPMENT»
Dr. Jorge A. Lera Mejía
Altamira and its port have been recognized as a strategic hub of development and a driver of well-being in the northeast of the country, thanks both to their geopolitical position and to tangible, sustained progress in economic, social, and logistical development.
This distinction was officially endorsed by the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, within the framework of the Plan México and the Development Poles for Well-being, placing Altamira at the center of the national policy for regional transformation.
Tangible Results and Hard Data
Port and logistics growth: Altamira is currently the fourth busiest port in Mexico in total cargo movement, exceeding 28 million tons annually and ranking as the country’s third largest port in automotive exports and port economic flow. Between 2019 and 2023, the port registered a 12.6% increase in cargo handling.
Flagship investments: More than USD $5 billion in public and private investments have been announced and carried out in key infrastructure, such as dock expansions, multi-purpose terminals, energy plants (including renewables), and the expansion of industrial parks like North Point, generating thousands of jobs and improving connectivity.
Cutting-edge infrastructure: The port boasts over 1,600 hectares for expansion, rail access (Ferromex and Kansas City Southern), direct connections with the country’s main economic regions (northeast, central, Bajío), and upgraded road corridors linking Monterrey, Saltillo, Bajío, Durango, and central Mexico.
Energy infrastructure: Altamira has established itself as a national benchmark in the development of conventional and non-conventional energy, reinforcing its strategic role. Highlights include combined-cycle plants such as Altamira V, with a capacity of 1,155 MW, as well as cogeneration plants and additional CFE projects, reflecting a diversified and modern energy matrix. In clean energy, the region hosts strategic wind and solar projects that complement the thermal base, driving the energy transition.
A landmark project is the megaproject of Fortress Energy (New Fortress Energy), which launches liquefied natural gas (LNG) production both onshore and offshore, with investments exceeding USD $1.1 billion and a strategic partnership with CFE, positioning Altamira as an energy export hub with advanced infrastructure. These actions underpin national recognition, fostering job creation, sustainable investment, and social well-being as part of Plan México.
Role of the municipality: The leadership of Mayor Armando Martínez Manríquez has been key for Altamira to earn recognition as a development hub. His administration has stood out for its exceptional proactivity in urbanization and modernization over the past four years, implementing infrastructure projects, improving public services, and creating sustainable investment conditions. These significant advances supported the Federal Government’s strategic decision, consolidating Altamira as a logistic and energy benchmark in northern Mexico.
Favorable social environment: Investments have resulted in sustainable job creation (for example, the installation of Flex Américas generated 1,350 direct jobs), urban revitalization, social infrastructure, and reduced urban deficits.
Institutional synergies: Ongoing collaboration between federal, state, and municipal governments has enabled the design of efficient public policies, investment attraction mechanisms, and operational programs that link port development with urban and social improvements.
National Recognition and Geopolitical Strategy
Altamira was selected as one of the first 15 Economic Development Poles for Well-being under Plan México due to its strategic position and capacity to trigger new industrial and logistics clusters, leveraging the nearshoring trend and the relocation of global supply chains.
The port positions itself as the Logistics and Mobility Hub of the northeast, integrating foreign trade, production chains, and regional integration, connecting the northeast, Bajío, and central Mexico with global markets.
Strategic Decision and Future
The designation of Altamira as a central pillar of Plan México is based on solid evidence: sustained growth, high investment, modern infrastructure, improved social environment, and the ability to attract strategic industries.
The region not only maintains its port and commercial leadership but also positions Altamira and Tamaulipas as the new high-value logistics platform in the national and continental landscape, ensuring long-term well-being and competitiveness.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Altamira and Its Port: Emblem of Development
Altamira, recognized as a strategic driver of growth in northeastern Mexico, stands out for its robust geopolitical position, sustained progress, and major investments exceeding $5 billion that have modernized its port and logistics infrastructure. Officially designated by President Claudia Sheinbaum under Plan México, Altamira leads as a key hub for cargo and automotive exports, set apart by cutting-edge expansion, advanced rail and road connectivity, and diversified energy projects—including flagship LNG and renewable investments.
The municipality’s proactive modernization, led by Mayor Armando Martínez Manríquez, has transformed urban and social conditions, fostering jobs, innovation, and sustainable investment. Altamira’s selection as an Economic Development Pole symbolizes Mexico’s commitment to global supply chain integration, nearshoring, and long-term competitiveness, ensuring the region’s position as the logistics and mobility hub for the northeast.