At Port of Progreso, Activity Reaches Dizzying New Heights
If the Port of Progreso appears more congested these days, there are good reasons.
Between record-breaking cruise ship arrivals, an in-your-face elevated viaduct, and what will be Latin America’s largest shipyard, Progreso is becoming a big-time maritime hub.
Cruise Ship Traffic Surges
Between January and April 2025, the Deep-Sea Port of Progreso welcomed 74 cruise ships carrying 200,383 passengers—a 131%% increase in vessel arrivals and a 110.6%increase in passenger numbers compared to the same period in 2024. This growth represents 42 additional cruise ships and 105,232 more visitors than last year.
April alone saw 26,135 passengers, a 27.2% increase over April 2024. The state government projects 158 cruise ships will arrive by year’s end, potentially bringing more than 400,000 international passengers to explore the Mayan region.
Infrastructure Transforms Port Access
The completion of an enormous elevated viaduct marks another significant milestone in the port of Progreso’s expansion. After two years of construction, the 2,000 million peso project now directly connects the remote terminal of the deep-sea port to the Mérida-Progreso highway. The viaduct spans the entire length of Calle 82 and was built under a 40-year concession by Operaciones Autovía Libramiento Progreso.
This infrastructure project addresses the increasing cargo traffic accompanying Progreso’s growth. The viaduct allows freight vehicles to bypass the city center entirely, reducing congestion while accommodating the port’s expanding operations.
Broader Port Development
Progreso’s growth reflects broader investment in the region’s maritime capabilities. The port is already home to the world’s longest pier, at four miles (6.5 kilometers), and it is developing what will become Latin America’s largest shipyard. The state government has also increased its investment in port expansion from 7.9 billion to 12.225 billion pesos.
Significant infrastructure improvements have occurred in recent years, including 60 million pesos allocated for street improvements, underground wiring, and cultural center renovations. These enhancements address longstanding concerns that the city’s appearance was inadequate for the growing number of cruise passengers and other visitors.
The port’s cargo operations have also expanded substantially. Exports rose over 50% in recent years, with ships handling 390,000 tons of cargo between January and May. The port now handles 40% of Mexico’s exports, primarily textiles and food products.
Strategic Maritime Gateway
These developments position Progreso as increasingly central to Mexico’s maritime strategy. The port benefits from the ongoing modernization of Mexican port infrastructure, part of a broader national effort to enhance competitiveness in global trade. Mexican ports overall have experienced record growth, with container volumes surging across the country’s maritime network.
The elevated viaduct and continued cruise ship growth demonstrate how infrastructure improvements can accommodate and facilitate expanded port operations. As Progreso continues developing its passenger and cargo capabilities, the city transforms from a regional port into a significant player in Mexico’s maritime economy.
Lee Steele is the founding director of Mérida-based Roof Cat Media S de RL de CV and has published Yucatán Magazine and other titles since 2012. He was Hearst Connecticut’s Sunday Magazine creative director and worked in New York City for various magazine publishers, including Condé Nast and Primedia, for over 20 years.
