Background on the Project and Key Players
The proposed expansion of the SSA Mexico cruise ship pier in Cozumel, Quintana Roo, has been met with opposition from the local government. The project, which aims to invest 882 million pesos, was submitted for environmental assessment in January of this year.
José Luis Chacón Méndez, the president of Cozumel’s municipality, has expressed his stance against the expansion. During a public gathering, he emphasized that Cozumel’s preservation of its environment and development comes first. He stated, “I have signed the no to SSA Mexico; in this way, with consistency, we are working.”
The Project Details and Its Impact
The expansion project includes the construction of a new Duque de Alba, as well as extending the current pier within the federal maritime zone of the Terminal located in Cozumel’s southern region.
- New commercial center
- New terminal building
- A crew club
- Demolition of the current commercial plaza, car rental services, kiosk, and beach bar
The Terminal Internacional de Cruceros Cozumel de SSA México is one of the three piers operating in Cozumel. In 2024, it received 36.61% of the total cruise ships and 38.13% of passengers disembarking in Cozumel.
The Municipal Government’s Stance and Next Steps
Chacón Méndez clarified that the municipality is not against new investments, provided they are sustainable and environmentally friendly. He announced his support for promoting overnight tourism in Cozumel.
The technical opinion rejecting the project, submitted by the municipality to the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), is currently under review. Semarnat will analyze it before issuing the final decision on granting or denying the federal environmental impact authorization.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the proposed expansion project about? The SSA Mexico cruise ship pier expansion in Cozumel aims to invest 882 million pesos, including the construction of a new Duque de Alba and extending the current pier.
- Why is the municipality opposing the project? The president of Cozumel’s municipality, José Luis Chacón Méndez, believes the project is not environmentally viable and prioritizes preserving Cozumel’s environment and development.
- What does the project entail? The expansion includes a new commercial center, terminal building, crew club, and the demolition of existing facilities like the commercial plaza, car rentals, kiosk, and beach bar.
- What percentage of cruise ships and passengers does the terminal handle? In 2024, the Terminal Internacional de Cruceros Cozumel de SSA México received 36.61% of cruise ships and 38.13% of passengers disembarking in Cozumel.
- What is the next step following the municipality’s rejection? Semarnat will analyze the technical opinion and issue a final decision on granting or denying the federal environmental impact authorization.
