Urabá, that strategic stretch in northern Antioquia known for its bananas, plantains, and its horizon open to the sea, is undergoing a profound transformation. The plans to consolidate up to five port terminals in the region reflect an ambitious bet on its logistical and commercial potential. As of November 25, 2025, some of these projects have already made significant progress, while others remain in key planning stages. This article provides an updated overview of where these ports stand, what impact they may have, and what the main risks are.
Where do we stand with the ports of Urabá?
Puerto Antioquia: the first to activate and nearly complete
uerto Antioquia is by far the most advanced project in the region. Its construction is practically completed, with around 95% progress. The port is designed to handle both dry and refrigerated container cargo (crucial for agribusiness), as well as solid bulk.
With a deep dock (16.5-meter draft) and ambitious capacity, the goal is for this port to become a key departure point for exports and also for strategic imports. Authorities have confirmed that construction is well advanced and that major efforts have been made to connect the maritime terminal to the mainland through essential land infrastructure, including an approximately 4.3 km viaduct over mangrove areas and the León River.
Commercial operations at Puerto Antioquia are expected to begin imminently, with November 1, 2025 projected as the tentative start date, and the expectation of receiving the first large vessel in the second half of November for operational tests. Part of the local community has already been trained to work at the port, which promises to generate technical employment in Urabá.
Other projected ports: diversification and specialization
Beyond Puerto Antioquia, there are four other terminals projected for Urabá, each with a different role and in earlier development phases (advanced planning or expected to break ground in 2026):
- Puerto Pisisí: Focused on liquid and solid bulk, which could make it a key point for raw materials such as oils or chemical products.
- Puerto Cirilo: Focused on forestry products (such as wood chips) and grains, giving it a mixed export-import profile.
- Puerto Progreso (or Puerto de Urabá Progreso): Perhaps one of the most strategic in energy terms, as it is planned to handle liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels, connecting Urabá with new energy dynamics.
- Darién International Port: Although less publicly developed, it forms part of the plan to consolidate Urabá as an international-scale logistics node.
Expected benefits for Urabá and beyond
The construction and operation of these ports not only imply exports but also the generation of local employment, technical training, and a boost to the subregional economy.
Having a modern port in Urabá could reduce transportation times for agricultural products that today must travel longer or more expensive routes, making exports such as bananas more competitive.
The diversification of ports may attract investors interested in different types of cargo (agriculture, energy, forestry).
The port project also requires improvement of road infrastructure. The success of the ports depends heavily on key road projects such as the “Nueva Vía al Mar” and the completion of the “Túnel del Toyo” (expected for 2026), which will ensure smooth connectivity.
Challenges and risks that cannot be overlooked
It is not guaranteed that all projected ports will achieve the expected cargo volume from the start.
For the ports to function well, Urabá needs robust roads. If parallel road development is delayed, part of the logistic potential will be lost.
While Puerto Antioquia is ready, other projects still depend on closing financing agreements or obtaining environmental licenses.
Port construction and increased maritime traffic can impact coastal and marine ecosystems.
Conclusion
The plan for five ports in Urabá is a strategic bet to transform the subregion. Puerto Antioquia is already a reality on the verge of operating, and the other projected terminals could diversify the local economy, create jobs, and connect Urabá with global markets. Success will depend on carefully managing risks: securing demand, strengthening land infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable investments.
Referentes
Avance y Fecha de Operación de Puerto Antioquia:
- Fuente (Instagram – Valora Analitik): “Puerto Antioquia ya tiene fecha oficial para entrar en operación: el próximo 1 de noviembre de 2025 iniciará actividades…”
- Fuente (El Espectador): “Puerto Antioquia empezará a operar el 1 de noviembre. El puerto ya tiene un 95 % de avance en su construcción.”
- Fuente (YouTube – Telemedellín): Video publicado el 7 de noviembre de 2025 confirmando que el puerto está “casi al 100%” y a la espera de iniciar pruebas.
Detalles de Infraestructura y Capacidad (Puerto Antioquia):
Proyectos de Otros Puertos (Pisisí, Progreso):
- Fuente (Facebook – Delta Arquitectura Oficial): Confirma que Puerto Pisisí avanza en planificación y espera iniciar obras en 2026 para abrir en 2028.
- Fuente (Infobae): Menciona que Colombia tendrá un nuevo puerto en Urabá (refiriéndose a Puerto Progreso) clave para gas natural y combustibles.
Retos de Infraestructura Terrestre:
