Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE MX ZLO

Manzanillo, Mexico

Mexico · 19.05° N, 104.32° W

The World Port Index classes Manzanillo as a coastal harbor sheltered by breakwaters on the North Pacific Ocean. It records a channel depth of 16 m and a cargo pier depth of 14 m. Norfolk is 3,370 km away in a straight line.

3,370 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
16 m
Cargo pier depth
14 m
Max vessel length
397.6 m
From Norfolk
3,370 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Puerto Vallarta200 km away

Depths and vessel limits

The index sets a maximum vessel length of 397.6 m and a maximum draft of 15 m.

Channel depth
16 m
Anchorage depth
10 m
Cargo pier depth
14 m
Oil terminal depth
12.3 m
LNG terminal depth
14 m
Tidal range
0.7 m
Entrance width
120 m
Maximum vessel length
397.6 m
Maximum vessel beam
53.6 m
Maximum vessel draft
15 m
Offshore maximum vessel length
229.9 m

As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.

Facilities on record

Arrival and entry

Manzanillo is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
Yes
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Pilotage advisable
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Port security
Yes
Vessel traffic service
Yes
Shelter afforded
Good
Entrance restricted by tide
No
Entrance restricted by swell
No
Entrance restricted by ice
No
Overhead limits
No

Cargo handling

Cargo facilities on record: container, ro-ro, breakbulk, solid bulk and liquid bulk. The heaviest lift class recorded is 100 tons and over.

Container
Yes
Ro-ro
Yes
Breakbulk
Yes
Solid bulk
Yes
Liquid bulk
Yes
Oil terminal
Yes
LNG terminal
Yes
Wharves
Yes
Anchorage
Yes
Dangerous cargo anchorage
Yes
Container cranes
Yes
Lifts of 100 tons and over
Yes
Lifts of 50 to 100 tons
Yes
Lifts up to 24 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Medium

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated moderate.

Repairs
Moderate
Dry dock
Small
Electrical repair
Yes
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Deck supplies
No
Engine supplies
No
Shore electricity
Yes
Medical facilities
Yes
Garbage disposal
Yes
Dirty ballast disposal
No
Airport
Yes

US trade with Mexico

US exports, 2025
$337.3BLed by machinery and mechanical appliances
US imports, 2025
$534.3BLed by machinery and mechanical appliances

Top goods, trade terms and port guides for Mexico

Other ports in Mexico

The nearest is Puerto Vallarta, 200 km away in a straight line.

Sources

  • US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
  • Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
  • Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
  • Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.