Zaragoza Canal Dredging Too Risky, Marina Now Top Choice

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Vagner Elbiorn Vega, Director of the Integral Port Administration (APIQROO), acknowledged that connecting the Caribbean Sea to Chetumal Bay is increasingly complicated, with the dredging of the Zaragoza Canal for larger vessels now a distant prospect. He stated that the most viable alternative would be the construction of a marina.

Environmental and Technical Challenges Hinder Dredging Plans

Elbiorn explained that breaking through the limestone bedrock in the Zaragoza Canal—currently only 40 centimeters deep—would require implosion techniques, posing significant risks to the ecosystem. Additionally, a large reef barrier blocks access from the sea to the canal, with only one entry point free of reefs. However, this passage has less than one meter of depth during high tide, further complicating navigation.

"The Mexican Navy conducted studies, and if a project were to move forward, it would be much smaller in scale, such as a marina," Elbiorn said. "Dredging is highly delicate due to environmental concerns, and the maximum feasible option is a marina for vessels with shallower drafts."

Push for Nautical Tourism Amid Cancelled Dredging Plans

The remarks follow a proposal by the Othón P. Blanco Citizen Planning Council urging the Quintana Roo state and municipal governments to revive the Zaragoza Canal dredging project to integrate Chetumal Bay into nautical tourism. The initiative was intended to bolster the Perfect Day Mexico project, announced by the state government and Royal Caribbean, as well as the Lahun Tiku development in Xahuachol.

Although the dredging project was canceled in 2023 to avoid ecological damage to the reef barrier at the canal’s entrance, Rear Admiral Marco Antonio Muñoz Hernández, Commander of the 11th Naval Zone, previously confirmed that the intention to proceed remains. The Environmental Impact Assessment (MIA) for the project is still valid, and the Navy maintains interest, though the feasibility is under review.

Search for Deep-Water Port Alternatives Continues

Elbiorn also noted ongoing efforts to identify locations for a deep-water port in northern Quintana Roo. Securing an MIA remains the primary hurdle, as construction must avoid reef areas. He emphasized that the project remains a state priority to diversify the local economy.

"Options are being evaluated, with northern areas most likely due to available space and absence of reefs," he said. "Studies are underway across the state. The governor has stressed the importance of a deep-water port for Quintana Roo, given our connectivity—now enhanced by the Maya Train for cargo, four airports, and this project’s potential to drive progress."