Puerto Morelos Pushes Ahead With Industrial Port Despite Environmental Concerns

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — The Integral Port Authority of Quintana Roo (APIQROO) has completed a preliminary feasibility phase for a deep-water industrial port in Puerto Morelos. Spanning 130 hectares of state-donated land outside the reef zone, the proposed facility aims to extend the reach of the Tren Maya and the Interoceanic Corridor, placing Quintana Roo at the center of a potential Caribbean logistics network.

Strategic and Economic Ambitions

APIQROO Director Vagner Elbiorn Vega emphasized that this would be the state’s first large-scale maritime industrial hub, offering general and container cargo terminals along with a liquid cargo facility essential for importing fuels. Currently, logistics costs for goods arriving by land or by sea from the U.S. incur a 15–20% surcharge. A deep-water port could significantly cut these costs and provide direct access for essential supplies, especially for the tourism and freight-driven economy lining up for the Tren Maya roll-out.

The project site features natural depths near 12 meters, with engineering studies underway to determine necessary dredging for full-sized commercial vessels—potentially increasing depth to 14–16 meters.

Why Now? Timing and Government Drive

Although small-scale maritime infrastructure exists, Puerto Morelos has historically lacked deep-water capability. Despite this, APIQROO’s latest port development plan, approved by the Navy in mid-2024, signals a renewed push. Director Vega notes the plan aligns with Governor Mara Lezama’s vision to reduce dependence on U.S. connections through Progreso and Veracruz, while preparing for the Tren Maya’s freight capacity.

Criticism, however, is growing. The town’s coastline includes critically important reef ecosystems and mangrove wetlands—protected under local and international law. Community groups and NGOs have previously raised alarms about infrastructure creep, including unpermitted shoreline developments and mangrove destruction. Just last month, Profepa halted unauthorized clearing in Puerto Morelos, citing environmental violations. Critics warn a deep-water port could significantly disrupt fragile marine habitats, reduce reef resilience, and worsen coastal erosion—especially given the area’s low existing infrastructure and ecological sensitivity.

Regulatory Hurdles Ahead

APIQROO has submitted its studies to SEMAR (Navy) and SEMARNAT (Environment), and the next phase involves full feasibility and impact evaluations. Land parcels of at least 500 hectares—potentially up to 1,000—must be secured. Environmental impact assessments and community consultations will be a requirement before any construction begins.

Advocates tout versatility: the port could accept vessels from Asia, Europe, and the Americas, build regional resilience, and diversify beyond tourism reliance. Yet environmental watchdogs, echoing concerns raised around similar projects, argue that short-term development benefits may come at the steep cost of ecosystem degradation and diminished biodiversity.

With resistance mounting from local stakeholders and environmental groups, APIQROO must balance economic ambitions with rigorous oversight. Environmental impact studies and transparent enforcement of permits will be crucial. Scheduled for groundbreaking following regulatory approvals, the port could enter service by 2027—ushering in a new era of industrial logistics for Quintana Roo, but only if its ecological stew holds firm.

This proposed port could transform Puerto Morelos into a logistics nexus worthy of Kingston or Freeport—but its legacy will depend on whether it protects or spoils the very environment drawing global tourism.