- February 25, 2015
- 2:11 pm
- John Caltagirone
- no comments
Colombia’s Secret Weapon: Port of Barranquilla
“There is a word that we must put in front of ‘supply chain’ now that is more important than ever, what is that word?” According to Professor Caltagirone that word is “global.” Quicker than ever our world is globalizing and trading between countries is becoming an expectation rather than a choice. Ports all over the world receive tons of millions of cargo every year and global communication vital to business success. That being said, this post will be dedicated to a logistics hub and heavily industrialized city in Colombia that is commonly missed by many foreign business in the U.S. looking to expand to South America.
I had the grand opportunity to study abroad my senior year in Barranquilla, Colombia. For those who have no idea where it is, not a problem, prior to going there I didn’t either. Barranquilla sits on the north coast of Colombia. Among being home to pop sensation Shakira and TV actress Sofia Vergara to more business and government organizations, it is known as the gateway into the country and the Caribbean coast for numerous international companies.
The Port of Barranquilla has the ability to unload 14,000 tons of bulk each day and store, this port is used in some cases to store and house cargo that is making its way down the country through river ways. The port has routes and lines that can take cargo from Barranquilla all the way to Bogota and Medellin, Colombia’s largest business cities and sectors.
The Magdalena River is right along the Port of Barranquilla and serves as the waterway that will take the cargo and goods to other larger cities throughout Colombia. During the internal conflict in Colombia during the 1990’s, these waterways become crucial in transporting goods safely from one place to another.
Just this past year, the port closed having handled almost 4, 416, 570 tons of cargo, a 9% increase from the previous year and forecasted to increase this year. Offering cargo, coke, general cargo and containers, the port truly has a diversified selection of services. Recently the port signed an agreement with Tampa Bay’s port to increase commercial trade between the two cities.
The port has certifications qualifying it to be an expert in Quality Management and Environmental Management priding itself in its efficiency and its attention to being as sustainable as possible. In addition to these certifications, it has been recognized by logistics companies and operational leaders all over South America and in Europe including Logistics Management magazine which deemed it the “best” in terms of client services.
Colombia, after years of violence and internal conflict, is finally emerging and making its way into the global scene and asserting itself as a very important asset for businesses and companies who are looking to enter not only the country, but the continent of South America.
For more information check out, http://www.puertodebarranquilla.com/?page_id=191 and for a translation of the website, feel free to drop a comment!
-Riti Patel,Assistant, Supply and Value Chain Center