Cargo Ship Arrivals Decline at Puerto Morelos Port

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — Cargo ship arrivals at the port of Puerto Morelos have been declining since March, even as overall container traffic for the first seven months of the year posted a modest increase, according to local port authority data.

Between three and five cargo vessels dock at the port each month. Container traffic reached 11,850 units in the January-July period of 2026, up 6.37% from 11,140 units in the same period last year, according to figures from the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo).

The terminal primarily receives supplies for the hotel and commercial industries in northern Quintana Roo, including bedding, curtains, specialized equipment, and meat products. In the opposite direction, souvenirs are shipped to the United States.

However, monthly cargo activity has dropped steadily since March, when 2,242 containers were recorded. April saw 1,848 containers, followed by 1,587 in May, 1,379 in June, and 1,280 in July, according to Apiqroo statistics.

Puerto Morelos currently has port facilities for handling break-bulk and containerized cargo from domestic and international vessels. Fishing also remains a significant activity, with facilities for processing seafood.

Port authorities have outlined plans to expand operational space, improve logistics, and add offices within the customs compound so shipping lines and customs brokers can work directly at the port, aiming to cut paperwork time and costs. Officials have also explored bringing in spare parts, vessels, and equipment for maritime maintenance, a line tied to the region’s nautical tourism sector.