National Maritime Day Mexico: Facts & Stats
Every year on June 1st, Mexico celebrates National Maritime Day-Día de la Marina. This civic holiday honors the men and women who serve at sea, whether in the navy or the merchant marine, and highlights the vital role the maritime sector plays in Mexico’s economy and heritage.
As we approach National Maritime Day 2025, here’s an updated look at the celebrations, the state of Mexico’s maritime industry, and the latest facts and figures shaping the sector.
What happens on National Maritime Day in Mexico?
On Día de la Marina, the Mexican flag is flown at full staff by all government departments. Festivities are especially vibrant in coastal cities such as Acapulco, Altamira, Puerto Vallarta, Isla de Cedros, Veracruz, and Guerrero Negro. Celebrations typically include:
- Fireworks and naval parades
- Awards ceremonies honoring outstanding service
- Public tours of ships and naval bases
- Speeches, lectures, and educational events
- Festive concerts with traditional music and dancing
The day is also used to raise public awareness about the importance of the maritime industry for Mexico’s security, economy, and global trade connections.
But, perhaps, most importantly, National Maritime Day - wherever it is being observed - is a time to celebrate the country’s maritime heritage and to honor and recognize the men and women who serve in that nation’s military and merchant navies.
Related reading:
The history of Dia de la Marina
National Maritime Day was first observed in 1942, during World War II, to honor the crews of two Mexican oil tankers-SS Potrero del Llano and SS Faja de Oro-sunk by German submarines. This tragedy prompted Mexico to declare war on Germany.
However, June 1st was chosen specifically to commemorate the 1917 voyage of the SS Tabasco from Veracruz, the first merchant ship crewed entirely by native-born Mexican seafarers. The day is sometimes also referred to as Mexican Navy Day, reflecting the close ties between the country’s naval and merchant marine traditions.
Mexico’s Maritime Industry: 2025 Facts & Figures
Coastlines and Geography
- Coastline: Mexico boasts over 11,000 km (nearly 7,000 miles) of coastline, including the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of California, the Caribbean Sea, and numerous islands.
- Exclusive Economic Zone: Mexico’s maritime territory covers more than 3.1 million km², making it one of the largest in the Americas.
Merchant Fleet
- Fleet Size: As of 2025, Mexico’s merchant fleet consists of approximately 700 vessels, reflecting steady growth from previous years.
- Global Rank: Mexico is now among the top 30 countries globally for merchant fleet size, ahead of several regional peers.
- Seafarers: The merchant navy employs over 6,000 seafarers, with ongoing training and recruitment efforts to support the expanding fleet.
Major Ports and Infrastructure
Mexico’s ports are the backbone of its maritime trade, and recent years have seen record investments and modernization:
| Port | Recent Developments (2024–2025) |
| Manzanillo | Undergoing a $3 billion expansion to double capacity to 10 million TEU by 2030, aiming to rank among the world’s top 15 container ports. |
| Veracruz | Modernization projects to boost efficiency and capacity, part of a 33 billion peso federal investment. |
| Altamira | Facing competitive pressures but remains vital for exports, with ongoing infrastructure upgrades. |
| Puerto Progreso | Major remodeling starting in 2025 to transform it into the Yucatán Peninsula’s top port, including integration with the Mayan Train for better logistics. |
| Ensenada | Expansion and deepening to accommodate larger vessels and separate cruise and cargo operations. |
| Lázaro Cárdenas | Continued as a key Pacific gateway, with increased security and efficiency following federal intervention. |
Learn more:
Maritime Trade Performance
- Growth in 2025: In the first two months of 2025, imports at Manzanillo grew by 8.6% and exports by 8.2%, reflecting Mexico’s economic recovery and rising global demand for sea-transported goods.
- Top Exports: Mexico remains a world leader in the export of vehicles, auto parts, electronics, beer, and agricultural products, with the United States, Canada, China, and Germany as primary trading partners.
- Port Efficiency: Investments in logistics and technology have reduced turnaround times and improved security, keeping Mexico competitive in global shipping.
The Mexican Navy: Modern Role and Capabilities
- Size: The Mexican Navy (Armada de México) is the second largest in Latin America, with over 92,000 personnel in 2025.
- Fleet: The navy operates more than 189 ships and 130 aircraft, with ongoing modernization to enhance security and disaster response.
- Key Missions: The navy’s duties include maritime defense, anti-drug operations, disaster relief, and port security. Since 2021, the navy has managed the administration of all federal ports to combat corruption and improve efficiency.
- Naval Education: Officers are trained at the Heroica Escuela Naval Militar in Veracruz, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled personnel.
More about the Mexican Navy:
Sustainability and the Future
Mexico’s port modernization projects emphasize sustainable development, with environmental impact studies and mitigation measures required for all major expansions. The government’s focus is on creating international logistics hubs that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Celebrating Maritime Heritage
National Maritime Day is more than a celebration-it’s a recognition of the critical role that maritime workers, ports, and the navy play in Mexico’s prosperity and security. As Mexico continues to invest in its ports and maritime workforce, the future looks bright for this proud seafaring nation.
Feliz Día de la Marina Nacional!
For more facts, figures, and the latest news on Mexico’s maritime sector, visit:
Disclaimer: All facts and stats are current as of May 2025 and sourced from official government releases and international trade data.
Post first published 1 June 2023 and last updated 1 June 2025
Eve Church
Eve is Martide's content writer, publishing regular posts on everything from our maritime recruitment and crew planning software to life at sea. Eve has been writing professionally for more than two decades, crafting everything from SEO-focused blog posts and website landing pages to magazine articles and corporate whitepapers.
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