Mexican Caribbean Hit by Sargassum

Sargassum has arrived at the Mexican Caribbean on the beaches of Quintana Roo by the ton. Mexico's Naval Ministry (SEMAR) has collected over 10,462.76 tons and has implemented a strategy to contain the sargassum on the coasts of the Mexican Caribbean. Also, this week, CNET and INTERprotección Announce “Viaja Seguro” Initiative.

This and more, in your Weekly Infrastructure Round Up!

Industrial Real Estate Expected to Continue Growing

During May of this year  the gross demand for industrial real estate space in Mexico was 354,000 m2  , giving a cumulative 804,000 m2 for the April-May period, according to figures from Solili, a real estate information platform. During 1Q2021, total demand was 1.2 million square meters. This market is set to continue to grow, mainly due to the increase in e-commerce. As reported by MBN, E-Commerce is pushing development of more Industrial Parks.

Latest Toluca-Mexico Train Bidding Deemed Null

The bidding for Toluca-Mexico Train was released earlier in May and received proposals from five consortiums. However, SCT recently deemed the bidding null, citing that none of the proposals met the required conditions. Four out of the five proposals were dismissed because they did not meet the financial requirements. The last one was rejected because it did not meet the expected technical aspects. While the original completion date was intended for 2018, the project is expected to be finished during this administration, but it must tackle several problems first.

CNET and INTERprotección Announce “Viaja Seguro” Initiative

Recently, the FAA downgraded Mexico’s air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2 stating that “Mexico does not meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.” In response to the downgrade, CNET announced a partnership with INTERprotección where through INTERprotection's VIGO people will have the option to protect themselves when traveling. The purpose of this system is to emphasize the importance of following all biosecurity protocols that are required when traveling in the country as a result of COVID-19, and above all, to have travel assistance in case of any unforeseen events related to this disease.

SEMAR Assumes Control of Ports and Merchant Marine

In an effort to strengthen port security and safety, the heads of the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT) Jorge Arganis Díaz Leal and of the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), José Rafael Ojeda Durán, signed the documents that endorse the official transfer of the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine (CGPMM).

This joint initiative will allow for greater dynamism in maritime activities, the strengthening of maritime and port security and safety, as well as the protection of the marine environment, thus complying with the provisions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), without conflicting with the exercise of the powers of other agencies of the Federal Public Administration (APF).

Sargassum Affects the Mexican Caribbean

The arrival of sargassum on the beaches of Quintana Roo has accelerated in the last month and continues to affect approximately 47 beaches in the region. Recently, Mexico's Naval Ministry (SEMAR) has collected over 10,462.76 tons and has implemented a strategy to contain the sargassum on the coasts of the Mexican Caribbean.

SEMAR has joined forces with the government of Quintana Roo and the private sector to manually clean up the area with the help of civilians to carry the algae out of the beaches. In addition, the ministry implemented satellite surveillance, helicopters, 11 sargassum gathering vessels, small boats and most importantly, the ship Natan's BSO-101. Alejandro López Centeno, the coordinator of the National Strategy for Sargasso Attention and SEMAR's Rear Admiral, declared that "the work of the "Natans" is carried out in offshore waters to prevent the sargassum from reaching the coasts. It was built specifically for cargo since practically the entire vessel holds a capacity of 250 tons of sargassum."