CALICA

• MXPVN
• Latitude: 20.573
• Longitude: -87.1265
• Gulf of Mexico
• Port in Mexico

Location: Mexico

Calica, also known as Punta Venado Port, is a significant marine port situated on the Yucatan Peninsula in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico. This port serves as an important gateway for maritime activities and is particularly noteworthy for the following reasons:

Location:

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately situated at 20.5744° N latitude and 87.0943° W longitude.
• Proximity: It is located approximately 10 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen, a popular tourist destination, and about 90 kilometers south of Cancun.

Key Features and Specifications:

1. Port Type:

   • The port is primarily an industrial and cargo port, with some provisions for passenger vessels and ferries.

2. Facilities:

   • Cargo Handling: The port is equipped to handle bulk materials, especially limestone and other minerals. It has specialized loading and unloading infrastructure for bulk commodities.
   • Terminals: Multiple terminals are present for different types of cargo, including bulk cargo terminals.
   • Storage: Storage facilities including warehouses and open storage areas.

3. Depth:

   • The water depth at Calica port is sufficient to accommodate large ocean-going vessels. The exact depth can vary, but it usually lies within the range of 10 to 15 meters (about 32 to 50 feet) at the berths.

4. Berthing Facilities:

   • Several berths of varying lengths, equipped to handle different types of vessels, from cargo ships to passenger ferries.

5. Navigation:

   • The port benefits from relatively easy navigation due to its clear waters and well-marked maritime channels.

6. Operations:

   • Loading and Unloading: Efficient cargo handling operations with modern equipment, including cranes and conveyors.
   • Customs and Immigration: Facilities for expedited customs and immigration processing to handle both cargo and passengers.

Economic and Industrial Significance:

• Primary Industry: The port primarily supports the limestone quarrying industry. Calica is known for its high-quality limestone exports.
• Trade: Key player in Mexico's export economy, facilitating the movement of bulk materials to various global destinations, especially the United States.
• Tourism: Though primarily industrial, the port also supports the tourism industry by handling passenger ferries, providing an entry point to the Riviera Maya and other nearby attractions.

Environmental Considerations:

• The operations at Calica must comply with environmental regulations and sustainability practices to mitigate impacts on the coastal and marine ecosystems.

Connectivity:

• Land Connectivity: Well-connected to regional road networks facilitating the transport of goods to and from the port.
• Proximity to Airports: Fairly close to international airports, enhancing the capability to connect cargo and passengers to global destinations.

Governance and Management:

• The port is managed and operated by private entities in collaboration with Mexican government authorities, ensuring adherence to national and international maritime standards.

Calica (Punta Venado) Port's strategic location, combined with its robust industrial capabilities, makes it an essential component of Mexico's maritime and export infrastructure.