UN/LOCODE CO CTG: Port of Cartagena, Colombia — Seaport

2,800,000LOCODE: CO CTGType: SeaportIATA: CTGUTC-5 (COT)

Location

Coordinates10.4, -75.52
CountryColombia
FunctionColombia's Largest Port, Caribbean Transshipment Hub
AuthoritySociedad Portuaria Regional de Cartagena (SPRC)

Physical Specifications

Max Draft17.5m (Contecar), 14.0m (SPR)
Channel Depth18.0m (Bocachica Channel)
Tide Range0.3m
Berth Length800m (Contecar), 900m (SPR), 4,000m (total)
Anchorage Depth25m

Administrative

Customs CodeCOCTG
IMO Facility No.Yes
Working Hours24/7
ISPS ComplianceYes (Level 1)
VHF Channel16 (Call), 14 (Port Ops)
Port Websitewww.puertocartagena.com

Commercial & Logistics

Annual Volume2,800,000
Primary Cargo TypesContainer Transshipment, Coal, Petroleum, Petrochemicals, Coffee, Bananas
Vessel TypesContainer, Tanker, Bulk, RoRo, General Cargo
Free Trade ZoneYes (Cartagena Free Trade Zone — ZLC)
Bunker FuelIFO 380, VLSFO, MGO, LNG
Nearest AirportCTG (10km)
Rail ConnectionOn-dock (Atlantic Railway — connecting to interior)
Highway AccessRoute 90 (Cartagena-Barranquilla), Route 25 (to Medellín)
Inland DepotsZLC CFS, Mamonal Industrial Zone, Barranquilla Transit Terminal

Trade Intelligence: Cartagena

Cartagena is classified as a Seaport with annual throughput of 2,800,000. The port handles Container Transshipment, Coal, Petroleum, Petrochemicals, Coffee, Bananas. As Colombia's Largest Port, Caribbean Transshipment Hub, Cartagena plays a critical role in Colombia's trade infrastructure. Shippers should confirm berth availability, draft restrictions, and ISPS security levels directly with Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Cartagena (SPRC) before scheduling vessel calls.

Port History

Cartagena has been a Caribbean trading center since the Spanish colonial era, when it served as the main port for gold and silver shipments to Spain. The modern port was concessioned in 1993 and has undergone massive expansion. Contecar terminal (operated by SAAM) handles transshipment for the Caribbean and Central America. The Mamonal Industrial Zone houses Colombia's largest petrochemical complex.

Authority: Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Cartagena (SPRC)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LOCODE for Cartagena?

The UN/LOCODE is CO CTG. Use in bills of lading and customs declarations.

What trade routes connect to Cartagena?

Cartagena serves as Colombia's Largest Port, Caribbean Transshipment Hub. PA PTY, US NYC, NL RTM, SG SIN, BR SSZ, AE DXB

How do I find shipping schedules?

Contact Sociedad Portuaria Regional de Cartagena (SPRC) or query carriers (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) using LOCODE CO CTG.

Data Sources & Provenance

Port specifications compiled from:

Updated: July 25, 2026. For reference only. Not for navigation.