El Sauzal Port Expansion Faces Backlash, May Be Canceled

A proposed mega-infrastructure project in Ensenada, the expansion of El Sauzal Port, has ignited a wave of public opposition due to fears it could cause irreversible environmental damage and negatively impact the region’s quality of life. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the project might not move forward without public consensus, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and community support.

Environmental Risks and Lack of Public Consultation

Environmental activists argue that the MX$5.745 billion (US$307.87 million) project would transform El Sauzal from a small fishing port into a massive industrial hub for containers and hydrocarbon storage. The development would involve expanding the breakwater by 4km, reclaiming 60ha from the sea through dredging, and increasing container traffic from 400,000 to over 6 million TEUs annually.

Activists warn that this would devastate the Bay of Todos Santos, a vital ecosystem home to kelp forests, migratory whale routes, and endangered coastal bird species. The bay is also home to Mexico’s sixth World Surfing Reserve, a critical site for sustainable tourism, education, and recreation. Beaches like Tres Emes, Stacks, and Patos are at risk of being buried under concrete.

“This project puts at risk not only our environment but also our local economy, identity, and public health,” say activists in a public petition. They argue that the proposed funds would be better spent on urgent city needs, including public health services, street repairs, wastewater treatment, and modern public transport.

One major point of contention is the lack of transparency and public participation. When President Sheinbaum announced the project during her morning press conference on Dec. 5, 2024, it had not gone through public consultation, strategic environmental assessments, or technical and social feasibility studies.

Government Responses and Delayed Environmental Permits

Public resistance culminated during Sheinbaum’s visit to Ensenada on July 12, 2025, where she declared: “We will not build anything that people do not agree with. There will always be dialogue… and we will not impose this project over the will of the community.”

Echoing this sentiment, Governor of Baja California Marina del Pilar had previously expressed support for citizen concerns and confirmed coordination with federal environmental authorities. Minister of the Environment of Ensenada Mónica Vega stressed that no Environmental Impact Manifestation (MIA) had been filed to date,  a legal requirement for such developments.

MIA Once Again

The port expansion was first floated in 2010 by ASIPONA Ensenada, but was denied due to insufficient mitigation measures. The idea resurfaced in November 2023 through the Port Development Master Plan by the Mexican Navy, which includes moving all fishing operations from the main Ensenada port to El Sauzal.

On April 26, 2025, the Baja California State Congress formally requested the Navy’s Port and Merchant Marine Coordination to provide detailed project plans, environmental studies, and explain how this initiative relates to the revived Punta Colonet port project, which already has environmental clearance.

Status and the Role of the Private Sector

According to local press, as of June 30, 2025, ASIPONA Ensenada confirmed that the project remains in its pre-investment stage, including preparation of technical and environmental studies. These studies, covering oceanography, social and traffic impacts, soil mechanics, and more, are being developed in collaboration with academic institutions like UABC, CICESE, and COLEF.

The final project plan and its execution will depend on these results, which will be made publicly available. Public investment would cover breakwater and fishing pier construction, while private capital would be used for container terminals and fuel storage infrastructure.

“This institution is open to dialogue. We are not trying to impose anything. We are also residents of Ensenada,” says Javier Portillo, Director, ASIPONA.

Broader Development Plans and Investor Interest

In November 2024, Ensenada Mayor Claudia Agatón confirmed that the Federal Government approved MX$2.5 billion for improving El Sauzal Port. The initiative seeks to boost the local economy by modernizing port infrastructure and increasing cargo capacity while honoring the port’s fishing heritage.

Key complementary projects include:

• A third access lane to ease truck congestion

• A new industrial park between El Sauzal and Valle de Guadalupe

• Potential relocation of fish processing businesses to reduce pollution

Agatón said that if federal funding for the access road falls short, a private investor has shown interest in financing the construction of a smart, third lane. This public-private collaboration could help modernize the port while addressing some of the concerns raised by the community.