Colombia’s port system began 2026 with positive figures in international maritime trade. According to official reports from the General Maritime Directorate (DIMAR), the country recorded a 5.6% increase in maritime traffic during the first quarter of the year, reaching a total of 2,754 vessel arrivals at national terminals.
The increase reflects the recovery and dynamism of Colombia’s foreign trade, especially in the container shipping segment, which became the main driver of port growth. The performance also highlights Colombia’s strategic importance within Latin American maritime routes thanks to its location between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
The figures show that maritime activity continues to be concentrated in some of the country’s main logistics hubs. The ports of Cartagena, Santa Marta, Buenaventura, and Barranquilla accounted for 86.9% of Colombia’s maritime traffic during the analyzed period.
Among them, Santa Marta stands out as one of the fastest-growing ports in the country, strengthening its relevance in international maritime trade and Colombian exports. Its strategic Caribbean location and specialized infrastructure have reinforced its capacity to handle cargo from different productive sectors.
Container ships drove Colombia’s maritime growth
The main boost to Colombia’s maritime traffic came from container ships, a segment that registered significant growth compared to the same period in 2025. This trend is linked to the increase in logistics operations related to international trade, imports, and the strengthening of exports to strategic markets.
The expansion in container movement also reflects Colombia’s growing integration into global supply chains and the increase in trade exchange with countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
However, not all segments posted positive results. DIMAR reported that tanker vessel traffic declined by nearly 8%, reflecting changes in global energy dynamics and in the international transportation of hydrocarbons and liquid products.
Industry experts believe this decline highlights the need to diversify maritime operations and strengthen other logistics segments to reduce dependence on specific types of cargo.
Santa Marta and Caribbean ports strengthen their strategic role
The performance of Colombia’s main ports also confirms the growing importance of the Caribbean region as a logistics hub. Cartagena continues to lead as one of Latin America’s largest transshipment centers, while Barranquilla is strengthening its role as a regional industrial and trade platform.
Meanwhile, Santa Marta is consolidating itself as one of the country’s most important maritime terminals, particularly due to its capacity to move containerized cargo, bulk goods, and agricultural and mining exports.
On the Pacific coast, Buenaventura maintains its importance as Colombia’s main maritime connection to Asian markets, making it a key point for national imports and exports.
Despite the positive results, DIMAR warned that Colombia’s port system still faces challenges related to the concentration of traffic in a limited number of hubs and dependence on specific commercial segments. In addition, international tensions along strategic shipping routes and shifts in global trade patterns are pushing the country to move toward a more resilient and diversified model.
Maritime authorities believe that strengthening port infrastructure, expanding logistics capacity, and modernizing operational systems will be essential factors in maintaining the growth of Colombia’s maritime trade in the coming years.