The immediate economic and operational impact is evident at the Puerto de Bavaria, where roughly 30% of the dock infrastructure exhibits damage, disrupting cargo handling and vessel access. The deterioration is identified as the first visible effect of broader structural and environmental challenges stemming from management inefficiencies associated with the Megaproject of the Canal del Dique. Both the mayor of Cartagena, Dumek Turbay Paz, and the governor of Bolívar, Yamil Arana, have publicly attributed the crisis to the delayed and inadequate intervention from the national government. They emphasize the urgency for federal action to prevent further degradation and operational constraints across Cartagena’s critical port infrastructure.
During inspections involving port stakeholders, environmental authorities including DIMAR, Cardique, and Cormagdalena confirmed the accelerated sedimentation and its interference with maritime navigation and vessel anchorage. DIMAR additionally highlighted implications for national security, noting that the unusual water diversion is affecting the maneuvers of the Colombian Navy within strategic zones of the bay. The suspension or limitation of commercial maritime activity threatens the economic stability of Cartagena and the livelihoods of thousands dependent on port operations.
The Megaproject financing remains insufficient and delayed, with only COP 74 billion allocated to initial phases, while significant urgent interventions on fragile canal segments remain unfunded. Community organizations and local governments continue to advocate for transparent project progress and accelerated remedial works. The ongoing emergency signals critical risks to Colombia’s foremost Caribbean port and underlines the necessity for immediate, coordinated infrastructure rehabilitation to restore navigational safety, environmental stability, and port competitiveness.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
