Colombia recorded a growth of 5.6% in international maritime movement during the first quarter of 2026, reaching 2,754 vessel arrivals, according to a report prepared by the General Maritime Directorate (Dimar).
“The behavior of maritime traffic in Colombia during this first quarter reflects a dynamic system, which responds to an increasingly demanding international environment,” highlighted Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Pauwels Romero, coordinator of the Maritime Transport and Operations Group of the institution.
“Although growth driven by container ships is evident, contrasts between segments and a high operational concentration are also identified, which raises the need to move towards a more diversified, resilient system prepared for changes in the global context,” added Pauwels.
However, the report also brought to the table contrasts considered relevant. While some segments showed growth, others such as tanker vessels recorded declines close to 8%, reflecting adjustments in the dynamics of international transport. One of the most notable points was the concentration of the system, where the ports of Cartagena, Santa Marta, Buenaventura and Barranquilla concentrated 86.9% of maritime transit, consolidating themselves as the main logistics hubs of the country.
According to Dimar, the report allows us to understand how the Colombian maritime system is being configured, evidencing a strong dependence on certain segments and a high operational concentration. This panorama opens a strategic discussion on the need to move towards a more diversified, resilient system prepared to respond to a transforming global environment.
