AP Moller-Maersk’s container terminal operation continues to burnish its gender diversification efforts with the appointment of a woman to run a key container terminal in Mexico.
Marliz Bermudez has been named as managing director of APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas in Mexico effective June 2022.
She will take over from Jose Rueda Salinas, who will become managing director of APM Terminals Moin in Costa Rica. Bermudez is currently head of commercial for APM Terminals Latin America.
She holds a degree in logistics and intermodal transportation from the US Merchant Marine Academy and a degree in supply chain management from the University of Plymouth, in the UK.
APM Terminals said she has held several strategic roles within liner shipping and the terminals business, including the implementation of new container terminals, commercial, operations and general management roles.
The first phase of APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas opened in 2017 as part of a $900m investment and it is said to be the first semi-automated and most technological advanced container terminal in Mexico.
Following the final phase of development expected between 2027 and 2030, the terminals will have a capacity of 4.1m-teu.
Strategically located
Located at the deepest port in Mexico, with depths of up to 18m, it is strategically located along the main maritime trade routes of the pacific coast between Asia and America.
The facility is said to use the largest ship-to-shore cranes in Latin America, and with a reach of 72 metres are suitable for Maersk’s Triple E vessels.
“APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas’ strategic location, technology and modern infrastructure play an important role in Mexico’s economy and the wider region’s competitiveness,” said Bermudez.
“I am excited about the commercial and operational opportunities ahead working with our professional team and our great customers in Mexico.”
APM Terminals said Bermudez has been involved at all stages of APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas formation and commercial success.
“She served as APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas’ director of implementation, managing cargo handling equipment selection and rollout, technology and operational best practices,” the company said.
Upon the opening of the facility, she was named head of commercial for APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas, before being promoted to regional head of commercial for APM Terminals Latin America in 2019.
“I am very pleased to welcome Marliz to our team, where her vast regional commercial and Lazaro Cardenas port experience will serve as a strong foundation for our operating model and customer-centric approach in her new role,” said Wim Lagaay, head of APM Terminals North America.
In January 2021, APM Terminals appointed Japan’s first female container terminal chief executive when Sakura Kuma took on the top post at APM Terminals Japan.
