Colon maintains its leadership as the port with the largest container movement in Latin America at the end of 2021, reaching the figure of 4,915,975, followed by Santos, Brazil with 4.83 million TEUs.

PML has compiled data from the five ports that traditionally occupy the top positions in the Latin American port ranking, which would be as follows: Colón, which includes 3 port terminals, closed with 4,915,975, of which 88.2% corresponds to transshipment; Santos with 4.83 million teus; the other three positions are close.

According to PML data, it would be as follows: Panama-Pacific with 3,563,432 TEUs, of which 92.2% corresponds to transshipment; Manzanillo, Mexico and Cartagena, Colombia would be very close to each other with 3,371,438 teus and 3,343,293 teus, respectively.

In the case of the port of Manzanillo, Mexican Pacific, transshipment represented 27.8% of its total volume and this decreased -0.6% compared to 2020. While in Cartagena, transshipment represented +/- 68% of its total volume.

Port Performance Index

The Port Performance Index compiled monthly by Drewry reported that in November 2021, the two regions of the Americas were the worst performers in the world, with a decrease in the index of more than 8 points (5.2%). However, Drewry stressed that despite that drop, the respective scores remain comfortably above November 2019 levels.

This index is based on monthly throughput data from a sample of more than 235 ports worldwide, representing more than 75% of global volumes.

Drewry’s outlook for year-end 2021 on port throughput remains negative due to ongoing congestion issues. “The month-on-month drop in Chinese port volumes will be reflected in the main import markets in December 2021 and January 2022.”

SOURCE: Panorama Marítimo y Logístico