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Port of Ensenada plays a crucial role in facilitating foreign trade activities between Northwestern Mexico and the Southern United States, contributing significantly to the economic growth of Baja California. In recent years, the port has experienced substantial expansion, with the development of new infrastructure, specialized cargo handling areas, and a push towards offering value-added services, which have strengthened its reputation as a robust and dependable port.
Thanks to its strategic and competitive location, a growing number of companies are leveraging the port for their international trade operations. Ensenada provides a wide range of services, including general cargo handling, cruise operations, yacht moorings, shipyards, fishing, and logistics, all of which help reduce costs for users through the integrated Ensenada – El Sauzal – Costa Azul Port System. This comprehensive service offering further positions the port as a key hub within the region’s maritime and logistics network.
Guided by its Port Development Master Program — updated every five years and currently running under the 2023-2028 version — ASIPONA Ensenada’s primary objective is to drive regional economic growth through trade and maritime transportation. The port aims to achieve this by ensuring efficient, safe administration and operations, building advanced infrastructure, and offering world-class services, all while contributing to social development.
For land-based cargo transport originating from or destined for the port, the most important routes are the Tijuana–Ensenada highway and the Tijuana–Ensenada and Tecate–Ensenada federal highways. The Tijuana–Ensenada highway is a high-specification road (4 lanes) that handles the largest share of cargo flows. These three routes serve as critical connections, linking the port with the main road network of the United States.
Facilities at a glance
ASIPONA Ensenada’s facilities and terminals include those for handling containerized and general cargo, bulk minerals, agricultural products, liquefied natural gas, commercial fishing, the naval industry, cruise ships, nautical tourism, and shipyards.
To ensure safe navigation, cargo security, and terminal operations, all three ports are equipped with breakwaters and adhere to international standards for systematic marking of channels and docks. Port of Ensenada boasts a draft of 14.5 meters and an access channel of 2,000 meters; El Sauzal has a draft of six meters, and Costa Azul has a draft of 20 meters. Ensenada holds the distinction of having the deepest draft on the Baja California peninsula.
Shipyards — Ensenada features four diverse shipyards, drydock facilities, and services for ship repair and vessel conversion. The shipyards can accommodate a wide variety of vessels, including commercial and passenger ships, fishing vessels, cargo ships, tugs, barges, tankers, and pleasure craft ranging from 26 to 600 feet.
Cargo and container terminals — The port has multiple terminals, including general cargo and specialized container terminals. These terminals handle a broad range of goods, from electronics to agricultural products. The port is well-connected by road and rail, and it features two bonded warehouses covering 22 hectares for foreign trade storage. Additionally, there are designated areas for domestic shipping services and specialized terminals for bulk cargo handling.
Bulk terminals — Ensenada’s bulk terminals feature specialized loading and unloading facilities, including conveyor systems and storage silos, supporting both import and export commodities for the agricultural and mining sectors.
Cruise industry — Port of Ensenada is a significant player in the cruise industry, accommodating vessels with up to 3,200 passengers. It ranks third nationally and is the leading cruise port on the Mexican Pacific, with two docking positions.
Projects and achievements — Several ongoing projects aim to enhance Ensenada’s infrastructure and capabilities. These include improvements to cruise terminal facilities to accommodate larger ships, increasing cargo operation efficiencies, upgrading security measures, developing waterfront areas for tourism, and focusing on environmental sustainability through waste management improvements and investments in clean energy sources.
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