Marine Forwarding

Port guide · UN/LOCODE MX LZC

Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico

Mexico · 17.93° N, 102.17° W

The World Port Index classes Lazaro Cardenas as a river port with enclosed basins reached from the North Pacific Ocean. It records a channel depth of 16.5 m and a cargo pier depth of 16.5 m. Norfolk is 3,290 km away in a straight line.

3,290 km from Norfolk, Virginia, in a straight line.
Channel depth
16.5 m
Cargo pier depth
16.5 m
Max vessel length
397.6 m
From Norfolk
3,290 kmGreat-circle distance
Nearest port guide
Manzanillo260 km away

Depths and vessel limits

Of the 18 ports in Mexico with guides here, Lazaro Cardenas records the deepest channel in the index. The index sets a maximum vessel length of 397.6 m and a maximum draft of 15.3 m.

Channel depth
16.5 m
Anchorage depth
30 m
Cargo pier depth
16.5 m
Oil terminal depth
14 m
Tidal range
0.4 m
Entrance width
175 m
Maximum vessel length
397.6 m
Maximum vessel beam
53.6 m
Maximum vessel draft
15.3 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

Pilotage is compulsory.

First port of entry
No
Pilotage compulsory
Yes
Pilotage available
Yes
Tug assistance
Yes
Tug salvage
No
Arrival notice (ETA message) required
Yes
Port security
Yes
Vessel traffic service
Yes
Shelter afforded
Good
Overhead limits
Yes

Cargo handling

Cargo facilities on record: container, ro-ro, breakbulk, solid bulk and liquid bulk. The heaviest lift class recorded is 25 to 49 tons.

Container
Yes
Ro-ro
Yes
Breakbulk
Yes
Solid bulk
Yes
Liquid bulk
Yes
Oil terminal
Yes
Wharves
Yes
Anchorage
Yes
Mobile cranes
Yes
Lifts of 25 to 49 tons
Yes
Longshore labor
Yes
Railway
Medium

Services and supplies

Repair capability is rated limited.

Repairs
Limited
Dry dock
None
Fuel oil
Yes
Diesel oil
Yes
Potable water
Yes
Deck supplies
No
Engine supplies
No
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 Manzanillo, 260 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.