In Colombia, the Conconcreto company is to invest $2 billion in a new port complex, the construction of which is due to start this year at Necoli´, in Uraba´. The multipurpose port, which is being backed by the American company Moffat and Nichol, is being built in an area focused heavily on overseas trade and hopes to provide an alternative to other outlets in the region.
In addition to dry bulk, it will also accommodate liquid bulk and containers.
Alongside the port, which will be known as Darie´n International Port, an industrial park covering 230ha will also be developed. Once operational, it will cut distances to and from the country's two main cities of Medelli´n (380km distant) and Bogota´ (820km), and will also act as an alternative for the coffee industry, which is concentrated in an area around 574km from the port.
By 2020, Darien should be handling in the region of 680,000 tonnes, rising to 13 million tonnes in 2040.
Barry Cross