
Santa Marta Port Colombia is a bustling hub of activity, serving as a major entry point for cargo and passengers alike. Strategically located on the Caribbean coast, it's a vital link between Colombia and the rest of the world.
The port is a key player in Colombia's economy, with a significant volume of cargo passing through its facilities each year. With a rich history dating back to the 16th century, Santa Marta Port has undergone significant modernization efforts to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Its state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technology make it an attractive option for shippers and traders. The port's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is also noteworthy, with initiatives in place to reduce its carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices.
Port Facilities
The Port of Santa Marta in Colombia is a major hub for cargo and cruise ships. It's strategically located on the Caribbean coast, making it a key entry point for international trade.

The port has a total of 15 berths, with a maximum draft of 12.5 meters, allowing for the accommodation of large vessels. This infrastructure enables the port to handle a significant volume of cargo.
The port's cargo capacity is substantial, with over 1.5 million tons of cargo handled annually, including containers, general cargo, and bulk cargo.
Container Facilities
The container facilities at Santa Marta Port are a crucial part of its operations, and they're managed by Santa Marta International Terminal Company S.A., a cooperation between the port and SSA International.
The terminal has a large storage area, covering 8.7 hectares, where containers can be stored and operated. This area is also equipped with container cleaning and repair services.
The terminal can handle up to 300,000 TEUs per year, and it has a daily take-off capacity of 408 containers per day. This is impressive, especially considering the port's remote location.
Here's a breakdown of the container facilities available at Santa Marta Port:
The terminal also has a number of reefer stations, with a total of 576 connection points. This is a significant advantage for shippers who need to transport perishable goods.
Shipyards at
Shipyards at port facilities offer a range of services, including docking, maintenance, and repair. The channel depth at these facilities is quite impressive, with a minimum depth of 23.2m.
The anchorage depth is also noteworthy, with a minimum depth of 23.2m. This allows large vessels to safely anchor and conduct operations.
Cargo piers at shipyards have a depth of 15.5m to 16m, making it suitable for smaller vessels. Offshore, the maximum vessel draft is limited to 20m.
Here's a quick rundown of the key depths at shipyards:
Port Operations
The Santa Marta Port in Colombia is a significant hub for maritime trade in the region. It's located on the Caribbean coast of the country, making it a strategic point for importing and exporting goods.
The port has a total quay length of 1,200 meters, allowing for multiple ships to dock at the same time. This increases efficiency and reduces waiting times for vessels.
The port's cargo handling capacity is around 300,000 tons per year, making it an important gateway for international trade.
Recent Ship Arrivals
Recent Ship Arrivals in Santa Marta are a crucial part of port operations. The vessels that arrive in the port bring with them various types of cargo, including containers, vehicles, and bulk goods.
The most recent ship arrival in Santa Marta was the RM SIROCCO on April 23, 08:13. This tugboat was built in 2013 and has a size of 28 x 9 meters.
Several ships arrived in Santa Marta on April 22, including the CC FORT FLEUR D'EPEE, a container ship built in 2019, and the CHILOE ISLAND, a bulk carrier built in 2013. These ships bring in much-needed cargo to the port.
Here are some of the recent ship arrivals in Santa Marta:
These ships play a vital role in the port's operations, bringing in cargo and supplies that are essential to the local economy.
Port Performance
The port's performance is a key aspect of its operations. Santa Marta Port has a significant port extension of 336,356 meters, with 7 berths totaling 1070 meters in length.
One of the port's notable features is its connection to the hinterland via both road and rail. This allows for efficient transportation of goods to and from the port.
The port has seen an increase in annual capacity at its container terminal due to a recent investment. This is a positive development for the port's operations.
Humanitarian aid cargo vessels will have priority in the terminal in the event of a national emergency being declared. This is in accordance with the port's regulation for humanitarian aid.
The port's container traffic for 2017 was 208,000 TEUs.
Port Services
The Port of Santa Marta, Colombia is a major shipping hub in the country. It's strategically located on the Caribbean coast, making it a crucial gateway for international trade.
The port has a total quay length of 3,500 meters, with 13 berths and a maximum draft of 14.5 meters. This allows for the handling of large vessels.
Containerized cargo is a significant portion of the port's operations, with a total of 450,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) handled in 2020. The port's container terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
The port's cargo handling capacity is around 2.5 million tons per year, with a mix of bulk, breakbulk, and containerized cargo. This capacity is expected to increase with ongoing infrastructure development.
The port's proximity to the city of Santa Marta and its connections to the national highway network make it an ideal location for cargo distribution and logistics.
Location and Tourism
Santa Marta is a popular vacation spot for Colombians, situated on a perfect curve of beach with a cobblestone esplanade lined with small tents selling everything from ship models to jewelry.
The city has a blend of colonial and republican architecture, which attracts visitors from around the world, including those on cruise ships that dock in the port. Founded in 1525 by Roger de Bastidas, Santa Marta is a historic city with a rich past.
Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area, including the Santa Marta mountain range, which runs through Colombia, and two national parks, one of which is Tayrona, or Tairona, park.
Location:

Cruise ships dock at Puerto de Colombia, which is about 1/2 a mile from the center of town.
Getting around Santa Marta is surprisingly easy, it feels like a big small town, so you can easily walk around the historic district without needing transportation.
A short shuttle will bring you from the port to the center of town, where you'll find the beach next to the old Custom House.
Leaving the cruise, you'll find all kinds of tour operators offering city tours, so you can easily explore the area with a guide.
Sightseeing
Santa Marta is situated on a perfect curve of beach, making it a popular vacation spot for Colombians. The cobblestone esplanade alongside the beach is lined with dozens of small tents selling everything from ship models to jewelry to hand-carved domino sets.
Founded in 1525 by Roger de Bastidas, Santa Marta has a rich history. The downtown area has a blend of colonial and republican architecture that attracts visitors.

Santa Marta's beach is very busy, with lots of people, vendors, and noise. The warm, clean beaches are a major draw for tourists.
Santa Marta is ideally located for visits to the Santa Marta mountain range, which runs through Colombia. The range is second in height only to the Andes.
Tayrona, or Tairona, park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park has many of Santa Marta's warm, clean beaches within its boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What language do they speak in Santa Marta, Colombia?
In Santa Marta, Colombia, the primary language spoken is Spanish, which is widely used by the majority of the population. English is also spoken in the nearby San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands, but not in Santa Marta.
Is Santa Marta, Colombia expensive?
Yes, Santa Marta, Colombia is considered the most expensive city in the country for cost of living. Its high inflation rate, particularly in December 2021, makes it a costly destination.
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