COMPARISON AMONG GOOD LOGISTICS PRACTICES TO STRENGTHENING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE COLOMBIAN PORT SECTOR: THE BUENAVENTURA-ROTTERDAM CASE

Abstract

The analysis of good logistics practices is essential to identify the gaps that separate Colombian ports from international benchmarks. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of the Port of Buenaventura, the main gateway for Colombian foreign trade, with that of Rotterdam in order to determine to what extent the principal port on the Colombian Pacific coast aligns with international standards in logistics performance, infrastructure, digitalization, and governance. The analysis is based on the variables of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), complemented by additional variables known as Key Success Factors associated with digitalization, automation, sustainability, and governance.

The evaluation was developed from a checklist that evolved into a comparative matrix of 39 items, integrating secondary data and primary information obtained through academic observation and documentary review. The analysis was conducted using a quantitative, descriptive-comparative, retrospective, and cross-sectional approach. The results reveal clear gaps in infrastructure, technology, sustainability, multimodal connectivity, and governance, while Buenaventura shows moderate levels of operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Overall, the articulation between the LPI and the Key Success Factors made it possible to determine the degree of alignment of the Colombian port with the reference model and to identify the main structural challenges that must be addressed to strengthen its logistical competitiveness and improve its integration into global trade networks.