Update: 14.08.2026
According to a CMA CGM operational update, recovery efforts in Colombia’s Pacific Coast region are progressing slowly following the earthquake that struck western Colombia on 10 August 2026.
Terminal activities in Buenaventura have partially resumed, with vessel operations continuing under constrained conditions.
Yard utilisation remains critically high, staffing shortages are affecting productivity, and restrictions on terminal access are disrupting empty container returns.
Alternative operational solutions could prompt carriers to reroute cargo to other ports.
Additionally, the Cali-Buenaventura corridor has not been fully restored due to landslides and infrastructure instability, with delays expected for cargo evacuation, container returns and inland transport.
Update: 13.08.2026
Colombia remains under a national state of emergency following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on 10 August 2026.
Logistics and transport operations continue to face disruption across parts of central and western Colombia.
The Buenaventura Customs Office (DIAN) has extended the suspension of deadlines for National Customs Transit, International Customs Transit and Multimodal Transportation operations from 11 to 18 August for authorised and ongoing transit movements under its jurisdiction.
Port activity in Buenaventura is now mixed across the port's terminals.
TC BUEN, used by Maersk and Wan Hai services, and AGUA DULCE-SPIA, serving CMA CGM and Evergreen, remain closed and non-operational. Sociedad Portuaria (SPRB) continues to operate.
Authorities have advised that transit and connection times in affected areas should not be considered guaranteed, with delays and operational changes possible while emergency conditions remain in place.
Original article: 11.08.2026
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicentre located in San José del Palmar, approximately 150 miles west of Bogotá. According to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, at least 132 people have died and 570 have been injured.
The government has declared a national disaster and deployed soldiers to the affected area, while emergency responders continue rescue operations.
Following the seismic activity, inland container yards and depots in Buenaventura and Cali remained closed while relevant authorities carried out safety inspections and structural assessments.
Operations at the Medellín depot continued at reduced capacity. This may lead to delays in certain processes and services while assessments and recovery efforts continue.
Buenaventura Port remained fully operational, with no reported disruption to vessel or port activities. However, inland transport to and from the port may experience delays due to road access restrictions currently in place.
Carrier offices in Buenaventura also remained closed pending the completion of safety evaluations. The closure may result in delays to documentation processing and cargo release procedures.
For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.
