Objective
Finance, build and commercially operate an automated mega-port and energy-logistics complex in the Gulf of Urabá that captures large-scale foreign trade volumes and secures long-term cash flows for investors.
Key Targets
- Containers: 1.2 to 1.6 million TEU/year at the start of commercial operations (2031), 2.4 million (2037–2042) and up to 4.0 million TEU/year by 2051.
- Liquid storage: 60,000 m³ of LNG, 40,000 t of LPG, 80,000 t of vegetable oils and alcohols, and 80,000 t of refined products and hydrocarbons.
- Self-generation: 200 MW of dedicated installed capacity.
- Direct community ownership: approximately 8% of the share capital allocated to 4 local community councils (2,901 families, more than 25,000 people).
- IRR = Net at 12 years = 26.2%. Net at 20 years = 16.1% *(No exit/sale)
- MOIC (Multiple on Invested Capital): 8.9x and 5.7x at 12 and 20 years, respectively (No exit/sale).
- Payback = 12 years.
Market Opportunity
- Severe capacity constraints (bottlenecks) in cargo transport and transshipment in Colombia.
- Structural natural gas deficit (LNG and LPG) projected from 2025.
- Global logistics realignment (nearshoring) and unmet export capacity for palm oil and agricultural products from northwestern Colombia.
- 30% to 60% shorter overland transport distances to Bogotá and Medellín (the corridor that accounts for 75% of national GDP) compared with traditional Caribbean ports.
- Natural draft of more than 17 meters without reliance on dredging, suitable for 200,000 DWT VLCC tankers.
- Approximately 250 miles from Panama Canal shipping routes.
Competitive Advantage over Existing Ports
Colombia’s traditional Atlantic ports (Cartagena, Santa Marta and Barranquilla) face expansion constraints due to their urban footprint and sedimentation-related dredging costs, which hinder berthing of ultra-large vessels.
Project Stage
Advanced structuring and pre-construction engineering. The Public-Popular-Private Partnership agreements with local communities have been signed, and land acquisition for the Free Trade Zone was completed in 2024. The concession application, proceedings before the National Environmental Licensing Authority – ANLA (no DAA required) and land easement procedures before the National Land Agency – ANT are underway.
Regulatory Framework
Port concession regime (Law 1 of 1991 and Law 856 of 2003), Law 1682 of 2013 on transport infrastructure, Project of National and Strategic Interest (PINE) designation (Decree 1020 of 2024) and CONPES 3762.
Strategic Impact (New High-Impact Project Investment – INPAI)
Key sector due to its production linkages (Rasmussen: BL = 1.04 and FL = 1.16), with strong forward linkages (Dietzenbacher: FL = 1.80).
Comprehensive development of a lagging region, leveraging its comparative advantages.
Diversification of the regional economy through world-class port activities.
ESG Considerations
Environmental: Replacement of more polluting fossil fuels by enabling the import and supply of LNG, LPG and methanol. Fully electric internal operations, with self-generation solar panels. By shortening road freight routes, it avoids 125,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
Social: Structural partnerships with neighboring communities: approximately 8% of the equity is transferred to four Afro-Colombian community councils (more than 25,000 people), with dividends over a 40- to 80-year horizon. Direct and skilled employment in Turbo and Apartadó.
Governance: Auditable model under HoldCo/SMA structures, with global private equity fund practices and top-tier institutional advisory, reducing reputational risks and promoting an inclusive and transparent business.
SDGs: 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) · 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) · 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) · 13 (Climate Action)