Cozumel’s Fourth Pier Approved After Legal Battle

Cozumel, QR – After three years of legal challenges, Muelles del Caribe S.A. de C.V. has received final approval to construct Cozumel’s fourth cruise pier—aiming to accommodate deep-draft vessels with up to 7,000 passengers. The company announced the court’s decision during a press briefing on Monday, bringing the project one step closer to reality.

At an estimated cost of 2 billion pesos, the planned L-shaped pier will be built off Cozumel’s southern coast within the 4 km maritime communication zone authorized by the federal government and CONANP, Mexico’s natural protected areas commission. Company spokesman José Luis Cervantes assured the pier will remain outside any zones designated for ecological protection, such as the southern natural protected area, the Flora and Fauna zone, or the biosphere reserve.

Cervantes defended the billion-peso investment as necessary to serve the newest generation of mega cruise ships with self-sufficient amenities. The press conference was attended by top-tier business and labor organizations—including Canaco, Coparmex, Canirac, CTM, Croc, Uniper, and the local Taxi Drivers Union—adding broad institutional backing.

Federal Support & Political Context

The project was included among 32 federal initiatives aimed at post-COVID-19 economic recovery and received federal endorsement in December 2020 under President López Obrador’s administration.

Despite this, regional authorities like Governor Mara Lezama have publicly stated that no permits for pier construction have been issued, a position she reiterated during her visit to Cozumel on May 8—though legal rulings suggest otherwise.

Cozumel currently welcomes roughly 4.6 million cruise passengers per year across three piers constructed over the past two decades. In 2018–19, these facilities were only ~54% occupied on average. Proponents argue that the fourth pier will help manage peak traffic and modern ship capacity.

Environmental Red Flags & Protests

Environmentalists warn the pier may fragment or destroy sections of the Villa Blanca Reef, a biodiverse area prized for its hard coral—home to 20 species, some endangered. A coalition of conservationists and dive operators has contested the plan, citing incomplete environmental impact assessments and flawed public consultation processes.

Additionally, this group notes that the reef restoration efforts—welcomed by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) and local dive groups—could be undone by pier construction.

Regarding environmental concerns, Cervantes emphasized that modern cruise vessels feature onboard desalination systems, reducing dependency on local water supplies. Additionally, Muelles del Caribe runs its own desalination facility on-site.

Legal Status and Public Sentiment

Earlier injunctions temporarily halted construction following lawsuits from the “No al cuarto muelle” coalition and support from the Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA), highlighting deficiencies in environmental review. However, these court orders have since been overturned, reopening possibilities for immediate construction.

Local sentiment runs deep: many fear the project will privatize public beach areas and displace small-scale tourism operators. Activists are organizing both land and sea demonstrations—including a flotilla blockade—and are calling on international conservation entities to intervene.

What Happens Next?

• Semarnat is expected to publish the updated environmental impact report within 60 days, which will reveal conditions tied to coral restoration and construction permits.
• Continued legal challenges and public campaigns, such as #NoAlCuartoMuelle, are likely to shape ongoing debate.
• Environmental watchdogs, local businesses, and global visitors are monitoring closely to see whether Cozumel’s economy and essential coral reefs can survive the pressures of development.

This approval marks a key turning point—but it also raises urgent questions about sustainable growth, conservation, and community inclusion in Cozumel’s future development.