NAVAL
Colombia's geographical position generates opportunities to develop shipping activities in ship manufacturing and repair activities. The capabilities of the manufacturing industry in several activities facilitate the possibility of generating linkages in the industry not only at a local level but also with an export focus.
Colombia is currently a key destination for the naval industry, thanks to its extensive coastlines in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, its navigable rivers, and its large number of maritime and river ports.
With a wide range of companies comprising the naval sector, including shipyards and naval workshops, Colombia is vital in the industry with Cotecmar at the forefront serving the defense and commercial segments. The country already has strategic entities for its operation that promote its development and growth. These companies already offer a wide range of exportable products and maintenance and repair services to vessels of different flags, in addition to naval engineering services with great export potential.
The Colombian Navy has a broad portfolio of projects to develop, with offshore projects being attractive. Additionally, with the exemption from the Jones Act, free trade agreements, and political tools for investors, Colombia has immense competitive advantages in economic, labor, and legal matters, ready to receive investors who seize these opportunities.
EXPORTS OF SHIPYARD INDUSTRY (USD million)
Source: DANE - DIAN
DUE TO ITS LOCATION, COLOMBIA HAS A STRONG TRADITION OF SHIPPING ACTIVITY
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Colombia has long coasts on the Atlantic and the Paci-fic.
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The country has several river basins with extensive navigable rivers, including the Magdalena, Atrato, Orinoco, and Amazon Rivers.
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Colombia has a large number of sea and river ports.
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The country conducts a significant volume of port operations. In 2023, it recorded 8,271 international maritime transport operations for cargo and passengers, while domestic maritime passenger and cargo operations exceeded 114,000.
TO SUPPORT ITS NAVAL ACTIVITIES THERE ARE PLAYERS IN SEVERAL SEGMENTS OF THE INDUSTRY
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Colombia has a substantial number of companies comprising the naval sector; in 2025, a total of 741 companies related to the industry were registered, with more than 300 dedicated to maritime sector supplies and services.
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The country has a large number of shipyards and naval workshops, totaling 53 across various regions.
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Cotecmar leads the industry serving the defense and commercial segments.
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Companies and government entities promote the industry's development and growth, including Cotecmar, ANDI's Shipyard Committee, and various clusters.
BESIDES MEETING LOCAL DEMAND, EXPORTS ARE THE INDUSTRY'S GREAT BET
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Colombia has a developing naval export market; in 2024, exports reached USD 11.4 million, with main destinations being Guatemala, Trinidad y Tobago, and the Bahamas.
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Colombian shipyards have a wide range of exportable products.
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Shipyards and workshops perform maintenance and repair services to vessels of different flags, working under international standards such as IACS that guarantee the international quality of repair and maintenance services.
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The industry offers naval engineering services with export potential.
THE SECTOR HAS EXCEPTIONAL ADVANTAGES FOR SERVING ITS MARKETS
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The Jones Act exemption gives Colombia great advantages for the repair and maintenance of U.S. vessels.
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Free trade agreements generate competitive advantages, with 18 trade agreements in force and 2 signed.
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Colombia's policy tools offer important support for investors.
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Colombia has competitive advantages in economic, labor, and legal matters.
THE COUNTRY OFFERS INTERESTING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPERS
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Design and construction of medium and large vessels, as well as their parts and components, under Joint Venture or strategic alliance arrangements.
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The large number of coastal vessels operating along the Colombian coastline represents a significant market for vessel maintenance and repair services.
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