A wave of violence has erupted across western Mexico following the February 22 killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader in a military operation near Tapalpa, Jalisco. Coordinated reprisals—including road blockades, vehicle burnings, and clashes—spread rapidly, impacting logistics and port access in key areas.
P&I correspondents and shipping advisories report isolated but significant disruptions:
- Port of Manzanillo (Colima, Mexico’s busiest container port): Temporarily suspended operations and closed gates on February 22 as a precautionary measure amid nearby highway blockades and unrest. While reopened by February 23–24, freight movements faced interruptions, with road access from Jalisco delayed by road blockades and security checkpoints. Inland trucking to/from the port experienced severe slowdowns
- Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco): Urban unrest, fires, and roadblocks affected local access, leading to cruise stop cancellations for some lines. No major commercial cargo port exists here, but indirect effects hit regional logistics.
- Broader impacts: Heightened risks to crew changes, ground transport between airports/hotels/ports, and supply chain delays in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. No widespread maritime shutdowns occurred, and major ports like Lázaro Cárdenas reported no direct closures.
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that peace and normalcy are being restored, with violence easing by February 24. U.S. Embassy alerts (shelter-in-place in affected areas) have been partially lifted in several states. We recommend that members monitor real-time updates, and avoid crew changes in Mexico for the time being.
Members who require assistance are invited to contact the NNPC Claims team 24/7 at claims@nnpc-marine.com.
