Colombia port concession regulatory modernization

The Colombian government has introduced a new decree to modernize the national port concession regime, aiming to attract investment and enhance logistical competitiveness.

President De la Espriella announced that the regulation seeks to provide legal certainty for investors and prepare the country for a more technical logistical environment. The decree includes components such as facilitating strategic investments during the final stages of concessions, expanding connectivity across land, rail, river, and maritime sectors, and creating a Single Registry of Port Concessions. The initiative also emphasizes environmental sustainability, energy transition projects, and benefits for local communities.

Further details from the Ministry of Transport indicate that the modernization updates the framework established by Decree 1079 of 2015. Key technical improvements include incorporating the concept of residual value for investments at the end of concession periods and promoting digital transformation through the development of the Maritime Single Window (Ventanilla Única Marítima or VUM). This digital system is intended to integrate electronic information exchange between authorities and users to optimize vessel procedures.

In a recent presentation in Cartagena, the Ministry of Transport highlighted that the reform aims to address current infrastructure needs, with representatives from the Santa Marta Port Society participating in the discussions. Additionally, the government has introduced Decree 1529 to further modernize the regime and improve the management of maritime and fluvial activities. This regulatory shift follows significant investment trends in the sector, such as the Grupo Puerto de Cartagena’s plan to invest an additional US$700 million in infrastructure and technology over the coming years.