# Colonia Express Montevideo-Buenos Aires route dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colonia-express-montevideo-buenos-aires-route-dispute > Updated: 2026-09-22T15:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Colonia Express is attempting to launch a direct maritime route between Montevideo and Buenos Aires using the ‘Montevideo Express’ catamaran. Although the company received authorization from Uruguay’s Ministry of Transport and Public Works, the service faces significant operational hurdles due to a lack of physical infrastructure at the Port of Montevideo. The company requires access to the Maciel pier pontoon currently used by Buquebus for vehicle boarding. Infrastructure issues at the pier, including dredging and maintenance needs estimated at US$30 million, further complicate the situation. In response to these delays, Colonia Express director Sebastián Planas indicated the firm may pursue legal action against the Ministry and the National Port Administration (ANP) if conditions to exercise their permit are not met. The company has also launched a public petition to demonstrate consumer demand for the service. While the launch remains dependent on a formal resolution from the ANP regarding the shared use of port infrastructure, discussions continue regarding the establishment of the connection. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: JetSMART and Colonia Express announce new regional transport expansions JetSMART will launch direct flights between San Juan and Buenos Aires in November, while Colonia Express seeks to finalize a direct maritime connection between Montevideo and Buenos Aires. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jetsmart-and-colonia-express-announce-new-regional-transport-expansions ### 2026-09-14: Colonia Express faces port hurdles for new Montevideo-Buenos Aires route Colonia Express faces infrastructure conflicts at the Port of Montevideo, preventing its new Montevideo-Buenos Aires route from launching despite receiving official authorization. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colonia-express-faces-port-hurdles-for-new-montevideo-buenos-aires-route --- Cite as: Colonia Express Montevideo-Buenos Aires route dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colonia-express-montevideo-buenos-aires-route-dispute