Costa Rica- Moín Container Terminal (MCT), operated by APM Terminals, has emerged as a game-changer in the country’s trade landscape. Before its introduction, the port of Limon Moin faced limitations, handling container ships of around 2,500 TEUs with alongside drafts of 9 meters. In 2011, APM Terminals secured a 33-year concession from the Costa Rican government to address these inadequacies, leading to the development of the Terminal de Contenedores de Moin (TCM) project.
With a substantial investment of 992 million USD, the first phase of the TCM project was completed in 2019. It included an 80-hectare artificial island, a 650-meter quay, two berths with alongside depths of 14.5 meters, a 1500-meter breakwater, an 18-meter deep channel, and six super-post Panamax container gantry cranes. This infrastructure allows MCT to handle ships up to 8,500 TEUs, with future expansion phases targeting alongside berth depths of 16 meters to accommodate containerships of up to 13,000 TEUs.
Strategically located 160 nautical miles from the Caribbean entrance of the Panama Canal, MCT plays a crucial role in supporting Costa Rica’s growing agricultural export industry and manufacturing sector. The terminal is expected to handle over 1.3 million TEUs initially, with projections indicating a rise to 2.5 million TEUs by 2030. A key focus is on refrigerated containers, particularly for Costa Rican bananas and pineapples, making Limon Moin one of the world’s largest reefer terminals.
During its inaugural year, MCT serviced more than 1,100 ships, handling around 1.2 million TEUs and achieving notable improvements in productivity, sustainability, and employee training. The terminal’s role in facilitating direct trade routes, enhancing port efficiency, and attracting ships with greater capacity underscores its significance in Costa Rica’s trade landscape.
The completion of the MCT project aligns with Costa Rica’s ambitions to become a logistical hub, as outlined in its master plan. The 33-year concession agreement, governed by the Federal Concessions Act of Public Works with Public Services, places full project risk on the private sector. The investment of USD 1 billion in a 40-hectare artificial island equipped with a 650-meter pier and a container yard with a capacity for 26,000 TEUs positions MCT as a key player in the region.
Despite Costa Rica ranking 109 out of 140 countries in the global port infrastructure index, MCT’s operational efficiency and capabilities are set to elevate the country to Latin America’s port leader status, according to APM Terminals. As the terminal gradually increases the number of ships served, it is expected to further contribute to the nation’s economic growth and global trade competitiveness.
In conclusion, the Moín Container Terminal stands as a testament to Costa Rica’s commitment to fostering economic growth, enhancing global trade connections, and positioning itself as a prominent player in the Latin American port landscape. The successful completion of the TCM project and the operational achievements of MCT underscore the transformative impact of strategic infrastructure investments on a nation’s trade dynamics.
