Background on the Project
The fourth cruise terminal in Cozumel is one of the 39 projects under the Economic Reactivation Agreement announced during AMLO’s six-year term.
Project Details
The project, allocated 2,354 hectares, includes an “L”-shaped pier built on 774 steel piles over 1.16 hectares, accommodating vessels up to 362 meters long, 66 meters wide, and with a draft of 9.32 meters. It is situated on Rafael E. Melgar Avenue, kilometer 3+625 in Cozumel.
Additionally, the terminal features a two-story building on land for passenger boarding and disembarkation, an open-air commercial plaza with various businesses, and waiting areas for tours and excursions.
It also includes a concrete pier platform with an elevator, pedestrian stairs, and three electric staircases leading to a pedestrian bridge.
Senator Eugenio Segura’s Stance
Eugenio Segura, a senator representing Morena and the president of the Tourism Commission in the Mexican Senate, has expressed his anticipated opposition to the project due to potential environmental and social impacts.
“I tell you that it is essential to thoroughly review where the fourth pier will be located, as if there’s a negative environmental impact and a negative social impact, my stance would be against it,” Segura stated.
Key Concerns
- Environmental Impact: Segura highlighted the risk to the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef globally, and expressed concerns about potential harm to Cozumel’s local environment.
- Social Impact: The senator mentioned that the project could limit local access to snorkeling in a specific area without Conanp permits.
Project Progress and Authority Approvals
The Secretariat of Works, Communications and Transportation granted a 20-year concession (with extension possibility) to Muelles del Caribe, owned by Yucatecan entrepreneur José Enrique Molina Cáceres, for an estimated investment of over 500 million pesos.
The project has received an environmental impact authorization since 2023.
Senator’s Engagement with the Community
Segura has met with local residents to understand their social perspective on the project. He awaits the analysis from relevant authorities before taking a definitive stance.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the fourth cruise terminal project in Cozumel? It’s a 39-project initiative under the Economic Reactivation Agreement, aiming to boost tourism and local development.
- Who is Senator Eugenio Segura, and why is he relevant? He represents Morena in the Mexican Senate and heads the Tourism Commission. His opposition could influence the project’s approval.
- What are Senator Segura’s concerns regarding the project? He is worried about potential negative environmental impacts on the Mesoamerican Reef and Cozumel’s local communities, particularly regarding access to snorkeling areas.
- What progress has the project made so far? The Secretariat of Works, Communications and Transportation granted a 20-year concession to Muelles del Caribe, and the project has received an environmental impact authorization since 2023.
