# Colonia Express transport expansion in Río de la Plata > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/colonia-express-transport-expansion-in-ro-de-la-plata > Updated: 2026-10-19T21:42:08.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Colonia Express is expanding its maritime and fluvial transport services between Uruguay and Argentina. On November 19, the company plans to launch the ‘Carmelo Express’ route, a fluvial service between Carmelo and Buenos Aires. Operating five days a week using the Deltacat catamaran, the service aims to target high-income travelers with excursions to local wineries and hotels. This launch follows a two-year dispute over the Carmelo terminal, which was previously stalled after a competing renovation proposal by Buquebus failed to meet deadlines. Additionally, the company is working to establish a direct maritime connection between Montevideo and Buenos Aires via the ‘Montevideo Express’. This US$ 12 million project involves a catamaran capable of carrying 600 passengers and 70 vehicles. While the Ministry of Transport and Public Works authorized the service in July, implementation has faced delays due to technical disagreements with the National Port Administration (ANP). Specifically, the ANP has stated that the vessel’s vehicle ramp has not yet been reviewed or approved by its board of directors. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Colonia Express announces direct Montevideo-Buenos Aires ferry service Colonia Express plans to launch a direct Montevideo-Buenos Aires ferry service within two weeks using the Montevideo Express, though port authorities have yet to approve the vessel's onboard vehicle ramp. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colonia-express-announces-direct-montevideo-buenos-aires-ferry-service ### 2026-10-15: Colonia Express to launch Carmelo-Buenos Aires fluvial route Colonia Express will launch the Carmelo Express fluvial service between Carmelo and Buenos Aires on November 19, operating five days a week with a 125-passenger catamaran. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colonia-express-to-launch-carmelo-buenos-aires-fluvial-route --- Cite as: Colonia Express transport expansion in Río de la Plata. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/colonia-express-transport-expansion-in-ro-de-la-plata