Port of Barranquilla Achieves Record Cargo Movement in 2024

The Port of Barranquilla set a new record for cargo movement in 2024, reaching 13.44 million tons, a 9% increase compared to 2023. This marks the highest cargo volume in the Barranquilla’s history.

The impressive growth was driven by all types of cargo. Solid bulk led the way, accounting for 40% of total volume, followed by coke at 24%, liquid cargo at 15%, general cargo at 11%, and containers at 10%. According to the Barranquilla Port Authority, this achievement was made possible through close collaboration between the public and private sectors. Organizations such as Cormagdalena, the Ministry of Transport, Dimar, Findeter, local authorities like the Mayor’s Office and the Governor’s Office, as well as dredging companies, pilots, and other stakeholders played a crucial role in achieving this milestone.

In a press release, the Port Authority emphasized that these results reflect various coordinated efforts to ensure continuous dredging operations, which have improved the port’s efficiency, competitiveness and operations. Officials highlighted that 2024 was marked by extraordinary growth and competitiveness, with nearly two consecutive years of sustained navigational depth above 10 meters.

“This is important, especially to continue to restore confidence in our port zone and it is also a message that invites us to continue improving the operation not only of dredging, but of all the actors in the chain,” said Lucas Ariza, director of Asoportuaria to the local daily El Heraldo.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Barranquilla Port Zone faces several challenges, including the need to enhance security in and around the terminal, strengthen measures against drug trafficking, and increase the inclusion of local communities in the region’s economic development, according to an analysis from the local news outlet El Norte.

Another priority will be improving the sustainability of port operations to ensure long-term growth. They recently signed an agreement with the American Association of Port Authorities of Latin America (AAPA Latam) to join forces, given that this association has a very similar vision to that of the local port industry and recognizes what it has done in Barranquilla and this region.

“The signed agreement strengthens the port sector and allows us to jointly advance in innovation, education and strategic projects and enhances the competitiveness and sustainability of the value chain of this sector,” said Ariza to El Norte.

As Asoportuaria informed by X, Barranquilla’s port activity is off to a strong start, as it grew 18% in January 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.

Headline Photo: Port of Barranquilla (Photo: Asoportuaria / Twitter/X)