Cartagena, Colombia

Port Overview

Cartagena, Colombia is located on the northern Caribbean coast at Cartagena Bay. It is the country’s principal export port and ranks as the fifth largest container port in Latin America. Strategically positioned as the largest transshipment hub in the Caribbean, Cartagena connects to over 800 ports worldwide and is recognized for its high connectivity and operational efficiency. The port’s annual container handling capacity exceeds 3 million TEU, with ongoing expansions aiming to further increase this figure in the coming years.

Facilities & Infrastructure

The Port of Cartagena features state-of-the-art container terminals, with Contecar (Cartagena Terminal Container) serving as the primary facility handling over 2.5 million TEUs annually. The port offers advanced cargo handling facilities including multiple berths accommodating vessels up to 175 meters LOA with drafts of 8.1 meters. It provides comprehensive services such as bunker supply, fresh water, provisions, and dry-dock facilities up to 3,600 DWT. The Cruise Terminal includes six docking sites and serves as Colombia's busiest cruise port, connecting to over 600 ports across 136 countries.

Container Terminals

Cartagena, Colombia’s container terminals—mainly SPRC and Contecar—feature a combined capacity exceeding 6.2 million TEU annually, with ongoing expansion. Contecar alone is adding a new berth to reach 17 gantry cranes and 4.5 million TEU capacity. The terminals offer over 10 berths in total. Automation includes OCR-enabled gates and advanced terminal operating systems. Major operators are Grupo Puerto de Cartagena, APM Terminals, and COMPAS, serving leading global carriers.

Port Services

Main Services at Cartagena, Colombia

• Container Handling: State-of-the-art container terminals with advanced cranes and extensive storage capacity, handling millions of TEUs annually.
• Cargo Operations: Comprehensive services for bulk, breakbulk, and general cargo, including efficient loading/unloading and transshipment.
• Ship Services: Full range of ship agency, pilotage, tugboat, and bunkering services to support vessel operations.
• Warehousing: Modern warehousing and logistics solutions, including inventory management and distribution.
• Customs: Streamlined customs clearance, compliance assistance, and brokerage to ensure fast, secure cargo movement.
• Cruise Operations: Dedicated cruise terminal serving major cruise lines, with passenger facilities and shore excursion services.
• Logistics & Transport: Integrated road, rail, and river transport connections for seamless cargo movement in and out of the port.
• Environmental Services: Waste treatment, water supply, and sustainable port operations.

Global Connectivity

Cartagena, Colombia is the country’s main maritime gateway, offering direct connections to over 600 ports worldwide and serving as a strategic transshipment hub for the Caribbean and Latin America. The port supports major shipping routes linking Asia, Europe, and North America, including direct services to key markets such as the United States, China, and Europe. Cartagena’s connectivity enables efficient access to regional and global markets, supporting Colombia’s trade and logistics sectors.

Port Statistics

Port of Cartagena, Colombia – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU throughput: 3.7 million TEUs (2024)
• World ranking: 58th largest container port
• Number of berths: 16
• Total port area: Approximately 172 hectares
• Major shipping lines: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen, COSCO, ONE

Cartagena serves as a major transshipment hub for the Caribbean and Latin America, with ongoing congestion due to high cargo volumes.