How has the Port of Cartagena evolved over the years?

I can proudly say that we have seen remarkable growth over the past 31 years. In 1993, the Port of Cartagena handled around 86,000 TEUs per year; today, we are around 3.7 million —with an installed capacity of 5 million TEUs.

To foster growth in this area, we acquired 10 hectares next to our Contecar terminal, reserving them for upcoming investments. On the other hand, we have secured 120 hectares in the Bay of Cartagena for the future development of a terminal with the potential to handle between 5 and 7 million TEUs in the long term. In the short term, we are focusing on expanding the capacity of our Manga Maritime Terminal, aiming to add another 500,000 to 600,000 TEUs.

Why is Cartagena so relevant for the region?

Cartagena itself is a significant exporter and is home for the petrochemical cluster of Colombia. Many renowned companies located here, including companies like Mexichem, Esenttia, Ajover, Cabot, American Styrenics, Corteva, Yara, just to mention a few. As a result, about 70% of our exports are tied to the chemical, petrochemical and agrochemical sectors.

Cartagena is in essence a HUB, about 78% of our throughput is transshipment, the axis of a maritime route connecting Brazil, Cartagena, the Gulf of Mexico, Houston, Veracruz, and Altamira—a key corridor for chemical and petrochemical products of all kinds. We facilitate cargo movements from Brazil, passing through Cartagena on its way to Central America, and cargo from Houston destined for the Caribbean and Central America. However, our reach extends to other countries like Chile, Ecuador, and Peru in the South Pacific.

What makes the Port of Cartagena different from other regional hubs?

For nearly four consecutive years, we have been recognized as the most connected port in the Caribbean and across the Americas. Unlike other regional hubs such as Panama, the Dominican Republic, or Jamaica, Cartagena stands out as an independent port, a big advantage, as it means we are not tied to any particular shipping line or multinational port operator, which allows us to provide services to multiple carriers on an equal footing; companies coming to Cartagena know they are not entering a terminal owned by a competitor; instead, they are using a facility that serves all players fairly.

—On the other hand, unlike other ports like Santos, —which has multiple terminals owned by different operators, we operate two interconnected terminals as a single unit; this setup, along with our barge systems, gives us the flexibility to handle different ships and adapt quickly to delays or unforeseen situations.

Moreover, we have developed "logistic support zones" or "international logistics support depots". These facilities allow clients to pre-position their inventory in Cartagena, ensuring that their products can be dispatched quickly to final destinations across Latin America. For instance, a client from Brazil facing logistical challenges can send inventory to Cartagena and, from here, ship it to Costa Rica or other nearby markets within just a couple of days. This strategy positions Colombia and Cartagena as a critical hub for trade and logistics.

In which ways are you contributing to a more sustainable future?

Three years ago, we began electrifying our RTGs and large port equipment. Every new warehouse we build has solar panels to produce our own energy. We plant mangroves with each new project and ensure that all wastewater is treated and reused. Our clients are increasingly interested in our carbon footprint, and we see this as a worthwhile investment.

In Cartagena, we promote clean fuels like LNG, ammonia and green hydrogen. Even though methanol is rare, we see a big opportunity. We want Cartagena to be ready for this and meet future needs, so we talk with clients to understand their requirements and work with experts when needed. Building these connections helps us stay ahead and make a real difference.

Can you give us a final message for the APLA's annual meeting attendees?

APLA offers an excellent platform for debate among different companies, making it a key opportunity to tackle sustainability challenges within the industry. We are open to all ideas to address logistical problems, energy costs, and regional geopolitical concerns, no matter how unconventional.