CMA CGM Group welcomes first large containership at Puerto Antioquia, a new gateway for Colombia’s export growth

The CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, was the first shipping line to send the first large containership, CMA CGM FIORDLAND (5900 TEU), to the new terminal of Puerto Antioquia, a new deep-water port designed to transform Colombia's logistics landscape of perishable exports and to support the country's growing role in international trade.

CMA Terminals, in partnership with local pure players and international investors, is a shareholder and contributor to the development of the new facility of Puerto Antioquia. This state of the art, deep sea terminal represents a major milestone for Colombia's economy, improving the flow of containerized, bulk, Ro-Ro, and general cargo while offering a sustainable and efficient logistics alternative on the Caribbean coast.

A major step for Colombian exports and a growth opportunity for the local and regional economy

Puerto Antioquia is set to become a game changer for the country's agricultural exports, particularly for bananas, avocados, and other fresh produce grown in the Urabá region. Until now, containers were shipped from the port of Turbo, also located in the Gulf of Urabá (Antioquia), where limited draft and barge-based operations made exports more complex and costly.

With its deep draft and direct quayside operations, Puerto Antioquia will improve the reliability, efficiency, and competitiveness of Colombia's supply chains. The terminal's multipurpose design also allows the handling of dry and refrigerated containers, bulk cargo, and vehicles. The Puerto Antioquia terminal also generated significant employment opportunities, contributing to the local economy through job creation during both the construction phase and port operations.

A strategic location serving Colombia's most productive regions

Located on the southeastern side of Bahía Colombia, in the Gulf of Urabá (Antioquia), near the mouth of the León River and the Nueva Colonia district of Turbo, Puerto Antioquia provides direct access to Colombia's key agricultural and industrial heartlands.

Situated only 300 km from Medellín and 700 km from Bogotá, the terminal offers a much shorter route to and from Colombia's major economic zones compared to existing Atlantic ports such as Cartagena, reducing distances by half to Medellín and by one-third to Bogotá.

Connected via new 4G highway corridors (a national program of modern, high-capacity toll highways designed to reduce travel times and improve freight efficiency), the port is on average 33% closer to Colombia's main production centers than existing Caribbean terminals. This enhanced connectivity reduces logistics costs, shortens transit times, and lowers carbon emissions, improving Colombia's competitiveness across all export sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer goods.

An innovative port perfectly fit to handle the logistics of the future

Construction of the terminal began in 2022. Due to the region's specific geological conditions, an innovative offshore design was adopted: a 3.8-kilometer viaduct connects the onshore yard to an offshore platform capable of accommodating up to five container vessels simultaneously.

Puerto Antioquia is designed to welcome vessels of up to 15,000 TEUs, significantly improving Colombia's maritime connectivity and competitivity for agricultural exports of dry and temperature controlled goods.

The terminal's expected annual handling capacity includes:

• 650,000 TEUs per year (≈ 6,600 weekly moves)
• 2.5 million metric tons of dry bulk (11 silos and 4 warehouses)
• 50,000 Ro-Ro units per year (2,700 slots)
• 450,000 metric tons of general cargo

To support efficient and sustainable operations, the terminal is equipped with:

• 3 Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and 8 electric Rubber-Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes
• 1300 reefer plugs
• 70 container trucks, 26 bulk trucks, and 12 terminal tractors
• 2 scanners, 2 reach stackers, and 4 empty container handlers (EHC)

The site is secured through on-site scanner operations and anti-narcotics inspections by police and supported by a 4.5 km access road and a 4.3 km dedicated power line.

Additional services, including bunkering and ship supply, further extend Puerto Antioquia's operational capabilities.

"The launch of Puerto Antioquia reflects the CMA CGM Group's long-term commitment to Colombia and Latin America, as well as our ambition to support the region's trade development and job creation enhancement, through efficient and modern port infrastructure. Following the acquisition of Santos Brazil, this project further strengthens our global terminal network in Latin America and reinforces our role as a trusted partner for customers and local stakeholders to support their competitivity on international markets.", said Christine Cabau, Executive Vice President, Assets & Operations, CMA CGM Group.

A strategic addition to CMA CGM's global terminal network

Following the acquisition of Santos Brasil, South America's largest container terminal in the Port of Santos, Puerto Antioquia marks a new strategic milestone for the CMA CGM Group in Latin America. This new terminal is fully aligned with the CMA CGM Group's strategy to expand its infrastructure portfolio in support of its global shipping and logistics network, particularly in high-growth regions.

As an international port operator with interests in 64 terminals worldwide, CMA CGM continues to strengthen its presence across key trade corridors and reinforces its role as a long-term partner in building resilient, efficient, and sustainable supply chains.

Puerto Antioquia adds a strategic presence on the Caribbean coast of South America, complementing the Group's growing footprint in Latin America and contributing to more balanced and diversified global port operations.