Quintana Roo Plans New Deep-Water Port for Trade Boost

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The government of Quintana Roo continues to advance its proposal to construct a deep-water port in the northern part of the state, according to Vagner Elbiorn Vega, director of the Integral Port Administration (APIQROO). The project aims to position the region as a competitive hub for international maritime trade.

Strategic Location Under Evaluation

Elbiorn Vega confirmed that officials are actively identifying the most suitable location for the port, emphasizing that the northern coastline offers viable spaces free from coral reef interference. "Studies are being conducted in several areas of the state," he stated. "The governor has made it clear: a deep-water port is essential for Quintana Roo, particularly given our impressive connectivity, including the Maya Train for cargo transport, four airports, and this project’s potential to drive progress."

The initiative, championed by Governor Mara Lezama, has received backing from both the administration of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and current President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Economic Diversification and Regional Integration

Artemio Santos Santos, head of the Governor’s Office, previously highlighted the port’s potential to synergize with the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a key logistics route capable of accommodating large vessels. The corridor could either compete with or complement the Panama Canal, bolstering economic development in Mexico’s southeastern region.

Elbiorn Vega elaborated on the project’s broader implications, noting that Quintana Roo currently lacks a port capable of handling high-capacity cargo ships. "This infrastructure would diversify the state’s economy, which is overwhelmingly reliant on tourism," he said.

Next Steps

Authorities are analyzing coastal conditions along the Mexican Caribbean to finalize the port’s location. The project represents a critical step in reducing the state’s economic dependence on tourism while enhancing its role in global trade networks.