Quintana Roo Integral Port Administration (Apiqroo) is considering a dredging project in the Bay of Chetumal, following the cancellation of a similar project in the Zaragoza Canal due to environmental concerns. The goal of the proposed project is to allow larger vessels to access the southern region of Quintana Roo.
Vagner Elbiorn Vega, the head of Apiqroo, stated that bathymetric and environmental impact studies are currently underway to assess the feasibility of the project. As it is still in the evaluation phase, it is not yet certain whether the project will proceed in this part of the state.
The project aims to boost nautical activity and strengthen the economy of the southern region through the maritime sector. The department is optimistic about the preliminary study results, hoping they will be favorable and allow for the potential growth of the capital city.
The same project was recently discarded in the Zaragoza Canal in 2023, as studies determined that the environmental impact of the work was too significant. Despite initial work on the project, it was halted following the results of these studies.
Apiqroo has reached out to specialists in Dubai to learn about the latest technologies for environmentally-friendly dredging in the Bay. Current studies suggest a maximum depth of three meters to prevent damage, as implosion has typically been used in previous methods.
This project may coincide with another currently in the planning stages: the construction of a pier for cargo ships, potentially in Mahahual and possibly also in the Bay. This plan was also recently announced.
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