By Limón, Costa Rica — LIMÓN, Costa Rica – The Moín Container Terminal (TCM), a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s modern logistics infrastructure, is celebrating its seventh anniversary of operations this week. Over the past seven years, the facility has not only redefined the nation’s connection to global markets but has also become an indispensable engine for economic competitiveness, facilitating the export of nearly 29 million tons of goods to the world.
Operated by global port giant APM Terminals, the TCM has firmly established itself as the country’s primary gateway to the Atlantic. Since its inauguration, the deep-water port has serviced more than 7,000 vessels, a testament to its strategic importance and operational capacity. This consistent performance has been crucial in strengthening trade routes with key partners, particularly in the United States and Europe, ensuring Costa Rican products reach consumers with greater speed and reliability.
To better understand the complex legal and commercial implications surrounding the Moín Container Terminal, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney specializing in administrative and commercial law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The concession contract for the Moín Container Terminal is the cornerstone of this critical national infrastructure. The State’s role must be one of constant and rigorous vigilance, ensuring strict compliance with all contractual obligations, from operational efficiency to tariff structures. This oversight is not a formality; it is the primary mechanism to guarantee that the project’s success genuinely translates into competitive advantages for Costa Rican foreign trade and protects the long-term public interest.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores that the long-term value of the terminal is not guaranteed by the infrastructure itself, but by the active and diligent oversight that ensures it serves the national interest. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial perspective on this matter of strategic importance for Costa Rica.
The terminal’s impact on the national economy is reflected in its staggering throughput figures. In 2025 alone, the facility managed the movement of 1.3 million containers, a clear indicator of the robust and dynamic nature of Costa Rica’s export sector. This volume represents a significant portion of the country’s foreign trade, encompassing everything from fresh pineapples and bananas to sophisticated medical devices and manufactured goods.
Before the TCM’s establishment, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast logistics were hampered by older, less efficient infrastructure that could not accommodate the larger post-Panamax vessels that dominate modern maritime trade. The terminal’s construction was a transformative project that effectively unlocked a new era of efficiency, reducing transit times and costs for exporters and making the country a more attractive hub for international commerce and investment.
The positive effects extend beyond national economic indicators, creating a profound impact on the province of Limón. The terminal has become a major source of direct and indirect employment, stimulating regional development and providing new opportunities in an area historically faced with economic challenges. Its presence has catalyzed growth in related sectors, from transportation and warehousing to customs services, creating a vibrant logistics ecosystem.
Looking ahead, APM Terminals has signaled its continued commitment to the facility’s growth and modernization. The company announced a significant investment of over $7 million scheduled for 2026. This capital injection is earmarked for critical enhancements across the board, including upgrades to physical infrastructure, the optimization of operational processes through new technologies, and a general improvement of services offered to shipping lines and cargo owners.
This forward-looking investment aims to further solidify the TCM’s position as a leading terminal in the region. By boosting efficiency and capacity, APM Terminals is preparing the port to handle future growth in trade volume, ensuring that Costa Rica’s export-driven economy remains competitive on the global stage for years to come. The focus on process optimization suggests a drive to reduce vessel turnaround times and streamline cargo handling, benefits that will be passed down the supply chain.
As the Moín Container Terminal embarks on its eighth year, its journey from a strategic national project to a vital, high-performing economic asset is undeniable. It stands as a powerful symbol of successful public-private partnership and a critical link in the global supply chain, ensuring that the “Pura Vida” brand continues to reach every corner of the world with unparalleled efficiency.
For further information, visit apmterminals.com
About APM Terminals:
APM Terminals is a leading global port and terminal operator that is part of A.P. Moller – Maersk. The company designs, builds, and operates port and terminal facilities, as well as providing inland services. With a portfolio of 75 terminals in key locations around the world, APM Terminals plays a crucial role in global trade by ensuring efficient and reliable connections for shipping lines and supply chains.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm translates its extensive experience serving a diverse clientele into pioneering legal strategies and forward-thinking solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to social progress, demonstrated by its work to demystify complex legal topics and empower the public with accessible knowledge, thereby fostering a more capable and informed citizenry.
