Publications
Occurrence of Pharmaceuticals in the Seawater Samples of the Port of Cartagena (Murcia, Spain): A Pilot Study
A pilot study reveals significant pharmaceutical contamination in the seawater of Cartagena's port, with diclofenac and multiple antibiotics detected at concentrations exceeding environmental safety thresholds. The research analyzed 15 pharmaceuticals across nine sites, identifying hotspots near high human activity areas and even within a Special Area of Conservation, suggesting diffuse pollution likely linked to inadequate wastewater management in nearby informal settlements. These findings underscore the vulnerability of port environments to emerging contaminants and highlight the urgent need for continuous monitoring and improved environmental management to protect coastal ecosystems.
Analysis of Pollutant Accumulation in the Invasive Bivalve Perna viridis: Current Status in the Colombian Caribbean 2020–2023
Research confirms that the invasive bivalve Perna viridis (Asian green mussel) effectively biomonitors heavy metal pollution—including mercury, cadmium, lead, and selenium—in Cartagena Bay, Colombia. From 2020 to 2023, seasonal variations linked to climate phenomena like La Niña and El Niño significantly influenced pollutant accumulation in both soft tissue (ranging from trace to low microgram levels) and suspended particulate matter (up to 25.66 µg/g for lead). The study highlights P. viridis as a sensitive indicator of complex pollution scenarios, though its invasive presence poses ecological risks to native species. These findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring to mitigate environmental impacts in the Colombian Caribbean.
Herencias de la Esclavitud en Cartagena de Indias: los Lugares de Memoria
Cartagena de Indias' legacy of slavery is intricately linked to its urban and rural development, shaped by the slave trade's economic and demographic impact. The study reveals how the port city's growth was significantly influenced by the role of slave owners and the enslaved population, with a focus on historical figures that defined this era. It further explores the spatial dynamics of slavery in Cartagena, analyzing both the places occupied by victims and those constructed as sites of resistance by escaped slaves. This work bridges history, memory, and heritage to provide a nuanced understanding of the enduring effects of slavery on the region's landscape.
A Frontier Approach to Eco-Efficiency Assessment in the World’s Busiest Sea Ports
Qingdao and Cartagena stand out as the most sustainably performing seaports globally, based on eco-efficiency assessments using key maritime sustainability indicators. This study employs a non-parametric frontier approach to evaluate 21 of the world's busiest ports, integrating inputs like CO2 emissions, electricity consumption, waste, and water usage with outputs such as employee numbers, revenue, and container throughput. By analyzing data from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) database, the research identifies projection pathways for less efficient ports to enhance sustainability performance. The findings support strategic policy-making for port managers, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 (marine ecosystem) and 13 (climate mitigation), while addressing critical challenges in decarbonizing maritime operations.
Air Quality in the Cartagena Basin in South-Western Europe and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
A significant decline in nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations, particularly NO2—a strong indicator of human activity such as car and maritime traffic—was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cartagena, Spain. Analyzing 15 years of air quality data, researchers found that while NO2 levels dropped sharply post-pandemic, other pollutants like SO2, O3, and PM10 remained stable or showed irregular trends. The study also identified distinct seasonal patterns for NOx and O3 but noted no weekly cycle for SO2. Weather types, particularly anticyclonic and eastern flow conditions, were linked to the most pronounced changes in pollutant concentrations. This research highlights the sensitivity of NO2 to human activity disruptions and provides insights into long-term air quality trends in a highly trafficked port city.
Multicriteria Decision Model for Port Evaluation and Ranking: An Analysis of Container Terminals in Latin America and the Caribbean Using PCA-TOPSIS Methodologies
A hybrid multi-objective approach combining Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) has identified Cartagena as a leading container port in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), not only in annual TEU throughput but also in efficient resource utilization. Despite global disruptions, LAC's main container terminals have shown growth, necessitating adaptations to meet new logistical demands. This study analyzed operational criteria such as berth length, draught depth, crane numbers, and proximity to the Panama Canal, revealing key factors influencing port performance from 2014 to 2023.
A Critical Assessment of the Current State and Governance of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia's UNESCO-listed port, fortresses, and monuments face significant threats to their heritage status due to governance gaps and material degradation. A five-year interdisciplinary study reveals that fragmented decision-making authority between local and national bodies hampers conservation efforts, while urban encroachment, vehicular traffic, and environmental factors accelerate deterioration. Hyperspectral imaging identified asbestos-cement roofs and vegetation issues, offering a data-driven perspective on tangible heritage decline. The research proposes a unified governance model to address these challenges and prevent the site's potential 'in Danger' classification by UNESCO, emphasizing systemic solutions over isolated fixes.
Arriving at a Good Port: Urban and Historical Archaeology in Three Cities of the Colombian Caribbean
Urban and historical archaeology in Colombian Caribbean cities, including Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta, has uncovered significant data on pre-Hispanic occupations alongside reconstructing daily life since the cities' founding. These findings, primarily driven by compliance with protection regulations for cultural heritage sites, highlight the need for tailored work strategies to address the unique challenges of urban infrastructure projects in these contexts. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating archaeological research into restoration efforts to preserve and understand the layered histories of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Marine Pollution and Advances in Biomonitoring in Cartagena Bay in the Colombian Caribbean
Recent studies reveal that Cartagena Bay, a vital coastal ecosystem in Colombia's Caribbean, faces significant marine pollution threats from pollutants such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These contaminants exceed sediment quality guidelines and bioaccumulate, causing damage across trophic levels. The research employs a systematic literature review using RStudio's bibliometrix to analyze pollution impacts on biodiversity over recent decades, while also examining socioeconomic dynamics through the DPSIR framework. Findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened monitoring, policy enforcement, and conservation efforts to mitigate environmental degradation and support decision-making for this historically significant and ecologically sensitive site.
Spatial Patterns of Turbidity in Cartagena Bay, Colombia, Using Sentinel-2 Imagery
Research reveals significant seasonal and spatial variability in turbidity levels in Cartagena Bay, Colombia, with the southern area experiencing the most pronounced changes. Using Sentinel-2 imagery from 2018 to 2022, scientists developed an empirical algorithm validated with high accuracy (R² = 0.83), identifying turbidity peaks of up to 35 FNU during the rainy season and as low as 1 FNU in the dry season. This study provides a new tool for monitoring water quality, addressing challenges posed by sediment influx from the Canal del Dique, which threatens the bay's economic and environmental importance.
Statiscal and optimization tolos for the efficient mangement of port terminals. Application to the port of Cartagena
Research demonstrates that optimizing port terminal operations can significantly reduce congestion and improve efficiency. A study applied statistical tools, including sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulations, to evaluate economic and financial risks in port planning, revealing critical variables like terminal performance and infrastructure utilization as key factors. The findings highlight the importance of flexible scheduling for ships, showing that even a 6-hour window can halve congestion-related anchoring, while a 24-hour window can eliminate it entirely. To address complex multi-client liquid bulk terminals where competing interests arise, the study developed HADES, a multi-agent platform tested in Cartagena's port, which effectively reduces congestion through limited information sharing among stakeholders. This approach leverages mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) models to optimize berth allocation, offering solutions for dynamic and challenging port management scenarios.
Sustainability impacts of sediments on the estuary, ports, and fishing communities of Cartagena Bay, Colombian Caribbean
Cartagena Bay, Colombia, faces significant sediment challenges due to freshwater discharges from the Dique Canal, which drains the Magdalena River watershed. These discharges transport 2.3 million tons of sediment annually, leading to deposition rates of 1.8 cm/year and requiring frequent dredging for port sustainability. However, this process poses a health risk as it can resurface mercury dumped by a chemical industry in the 1970s, found in concentrations up to 18.8 μg/g below the bay's bottom. The study highlights the need for effective governance and monitoring tools, such as the Cartagena Bay Observatory, to manage these complex socioenvironmental challenges and protect vulnerable coastal communities.
Development of the marine Holocene environment in a drowned paleovalley with final anthropic influence in the Cartagena Bay (Murcia, SE Spain)
A sediment core from Cartagena Bay reveals that the Holocene marine environment began around 7300 years ago, marked by dynamic interactions between marine conditions and a fan delta linked to a reorganized fluvial network. The study, using radiocarbon and amino acid racemization dating, shows an initial phase of robust sediment deposition followed by the development of a rich Posidonia-Cymodocea meadow with diverse marine life. Around 3800 years ago, the bay transitioned into a brackish marsh due to silting, altering its biodiversity. Carthaginian port construction works later introduced marine species, demonstrating anthropic influence on the ecosystem.
Location Advantages of the Container Port for Perishable Goods in the Murcia Region
Cartagena's port offers significant advantages for the transport of perishable goods, particularly when using refrigerated (reefer) containers. A study reveals that its strategic location can drastically reduce transportation time, thereby minimizing the risk of perishable cargo arriving in suboptimal condition. The research employs a gravity model to assess the feasibility and benefits of establishing new container terminals in Cartagena, considering factors such as vessel waiting times in Mediterranean ports and the perishability dynamics of goods. This approach not only evaluates the potential for shorter transport routes but also provides a framework that can be applied to other intercontinental perishable cargo networks, enhancing logistical efficiency and reducing spoilage risks.
Military or trade port cities? About the form and function of the Hispanic colonial cities in Latin America and the Caribbean
Hispanic American colonial port cities, particularly Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, were primarily designed for military defense while also serving as vital trade hubs. This dual function was found to be interdependent, with fortifications evolving throughout the colonial era to balance security and commerce. The study, based on primary sources such as colonial laws, viceregal reports from the 18th century, and secondary literature, reveals that while trade was significant, military defense remained the dominant priority in urban planning. This insight challenges the perception of these cities as solely commercial centers, highlighting their strategic importance during the colonial period.
Gender and the Work of Missionary Translation: Black Women Interpreters among the Jesuits in Seventeenth-Century Cartagena de Indias
Seventeenth-century Jesuit missionaries in Cartagena de Indias relied on Black women interpreters to evangelize newly arrived Africans, employing them as part of a broader missionary strategy more typical in Asia than in Iberian America. Analysis of missionary texts reveals that the Jesuits justified this practice by framing these women as analogous to Jesus's female followers in the New Testament, which allowed their roles to be acknowledged but also obscured deeper insights into their significance for both the interpreters and the African communities they served. This study reconstructs the context of these portrayals, uncovering ideological effects embedded in missionary writings and highlighting patterns of gendered language used across Iberian missionary projects during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
HADES: A Multi-Agent Platform to Reduce Congestion Anchoring Based on Temporal Coordination of Vessel Arrivals—Application to the Multi-Client Liquid Bulk Terminal in the Port of Cartagena (Spain)
A six-hour window of flexibility in vessel arrival times can cut congestion anchoring at multi-client liquid bulk terminals by half, with 24 hours reducing it to near-zero levels. This key insight comes from a mixed-integer linear program analysis applied to the Port of Cartagena’s liquid-bulk terminal, demonstrating how temporal coordination among vessels—facilitated by the HADES multi-agent platform—can optimize berth allocation and alleviate congestion without costly infrastructure changes. By enabling shared but limited information exchange among stakeholders, HADES promotes consensus-based scheduling that enhances operational efficiency in high-demand port environments.
To Walk with Slaves: Jesuit Contexts and the Atlantic World in the Cartagena Mission to Enslaved Africans, 1605–1654
Jesuit missionaries Alonso de Sandoval and Pedro Claver adapted missionary practices to accompany enslaved Africans in 17th-century Cartagena, Colombia, reflecting the global Jesuit tradition of engaging with marginalized communities. Their work, rooted in Sandoval’s treatise De instauranda Aethiopum salute and Claver’s sainthood process, demonstrates how early modern Atlantic World dynamics shaped Jesuit missionary theology to prioritize African salvation. The study reveals this innovative approach through analysis of annual letters, personal correspondences, and interactions in Cartagena’s cosmopolitan port, illustrating a unique blend of apostolic zeal and contextual adaptation.
Black Africans’ Freedom Litigation Suits to Define Just War and Just Slavery in the Early Spanish Empire
Enslaved Black Africans in the early Spanish Empire successfully challenged their enslavement through litigation, arguing that their conversion to Christianity rendered their captivity unjust. This legal strategy, examined in port cities like Cartagena and Seville, revealed how enslaved individuals' legal arguments influenced broader discourse on the morality of slavery and warfare within the Spanish Empire. The study highlights the intersection of diverse intellectual traditions—those of enslaved Africans and European elites—and demonstrates how these interactions reshaped justifications for slavery and war.
Caracterización Fisicoquímica de Aguas y Sedimentos en Puerto de Carga de la Bahía de Cartagena, Colombia
A study on the Cartagena Bay, Colombia, revealed significant levels of mercury (Hg) and dissolved/dispersed hydrocarbons (DDH) in sediments and waters, particularly at a loading port. Mercury concentrations ranged from 109 to 288 µg/kg dry weight, with an average of 183.33 ± 55.41 µg/kg, while DDH levels varied between 4.51 and 18.04 µg/L in port waters—no hydrocarbons were detected at distant sampling points. The findings suggest ongoing or residual contamination, necessitating further monitoring to assess trends. Researchers also recommend expanding analyses to include other heavy metals and coal due to observed pollution linked to improper cleaning practices at the port.
El Castillo de La Atalaya (siglo XVIII), en Cartagena (Región de Murcia, España). Análisis formal y constructivo
Atalaya Castle, an 18th-century military fortification in Cartagena, Spain, exemplifies the defensive architecture of its time. Positioned west of the city, it protected against both land and sea threats, featuring a pentagonal design with five bastions and a U-shaped interior building on a bastioned platform, surrounded by a dry moat. The study reveals that while the fort shares formal elements with other contemporary structures in Cartagena, its construction exhibits heterogeneity due to the use of stone and brick. Currently in a state of semi-abandonment, the research proposes a new cultural use for the castle to ensure its restoration and conservation. This analysis underscores the importance of preserving such historical sites while offering insights into their architectural significance.
Le mura di Cartagena de Indias tra sperimentazione metodologica e protocolli operativi. Strumentazioni digitali a confronto per lo studio del sistema difensivo antonelliano
Research comparing digital tools for studying Cartagena de Indias' Antonelli defense system reveals that mobile laser scanning with SLAM technology provides the most efficient and reliable method for documenting fortifications. The study, conducted by the Lab DAda-LAB at the University of Pavia, analyzed the perimeter walls and Fort San Felipe de Barajas, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach for rapid survey activities. Additionally, a detailed comparison of different data acquisition technologies on the Baluarte of Santa Catalina walls confirmed the reliability of 3D databases generated by these methods. The findings contribute to the development of analysis protocols for heritage enhancement and protection, offering insights into the construction technologies of Cartagena's historic fortifications.
Levantamiento y modelización tridimensional de la Torre del Negro o de Arráez, torre post-litoral del siglo XVI en El Algar (Región de Murcia, España)
A groundbreaking study has achieved the exhaustive graphic documentation of the Torre del Negro or Arráez, a 16th-century post-coastal tower located in El Algar, Cartagena (Region of Murcia, Spain). This work, employing digital photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning, provides unprecedented insights into the tower's construction and current state of conservation. The research contributes significantly to the understanding, consolidation, and volumetric recomposition of this heritage site, which is threatened by structural instability and lack of cover. By integrating historical monument analysis with advanced survey techniques, the study aims to enhance the preservation of the Torre del Negro while promoting its integration into its natural and landscape environment.
Social inequalities, sexual tourism and HIV in Cartagena, Colombia: an ethnographic study
A five-year ethnographic study in Cartagena, Colombia, reveals that social inequalities—rooted in class, skin color, gender, and sexual orientation—synergistically increase vulnerability to HIV infection, particularly within the city's sexual tourism industry. The research found that poverty, racialization, and gender disparities historically sustain dynamics that fuel this industry, thereby elevating HIV risk for marginalized groups. The study highlights a distinct link between globalized sexual tourism and Cartagena's colonial-era racialized social structure, illustrating how these intersecting factors complicate safe sex practices and perpetuate HIV transmission.
Un rilievo speditivo di emergenza. Forte San José a Cartagena de Indias (Colombia)
A rapid emergency survey using advanced digital imaging and laser scanning technologies has successfully documented the structural condition of Fort San José, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The study, conducted by researchers from the Italian Ministry of Heritage and Cultural Activities, integrated laser scanner data for accessible areas with aerial photogrammetry to capture details of the fortress facing the sea. This approach enabled the first comprehensive architectural survey of the fort, which has been plagued by flooding due to land subsidence. The findings provide critical insights into the ongoing instability of the structure, offering essential data for future conservation strategies and intervention plans.
Gorgonian octocoral community at Varadero coral reef in the Colombian Caribbean: diversity and spatial distribution
A study of Varadero coral reef in Cartagena, Colombia, reveals that the gorgonian octocoral community exhibits lower species richness and abundance compared to other Caribbean regions. This is attributed to the unique ecological characteristics of the area, including sedimentation processes and the influence of dredging activities for a large vessel access channel, which pose significant risks to this fragile ecosystem. Researchers analyzed seven sites within the mixed coral reef zone, typically found at depths between 6 and 10 meters, highlighting the vulnerability of these sessile benthic communities to environmental pressures.
The environmental information report in the annual accounts: An analysis of the main ports in Spain
Port Authorities of Cartagena, Castellón, Gijón, and Valencia exhibit significant variation in the clarity and depth of environmental information reported in their annual accounts. While Cartagena stands out for its clear communication, Castellón and Huelva provide less explicit details. The study highlights that Port Authorities should enhance their reporting strategies to better reflect environmental actions, suggesting the integration of additional sources like sustainability reports could improve transparency and decision-making processes.
Underwater Acoustic Impulsive Noise Monitoring in Port Facilities: Case Study of the Port of Cartagena
A study on the Port of Cartagena reveals that cargo container loading is the primary source of underwater impulsive noise. Researchers used an autonomous vessel equipped with a smart digital hydrophone to monitor spatial and temporal noise distributions, identifying key sources and their acoustic characteristics. This pioneering work aims to provide critical data for managing maritime noise pollution and its ecological impact on biodiversity within the port's underwater environment.
Acoustic Characterization of Impulsive Underwater Noise Present in Port Facilities: Practical Case in the Port of Cartagena
This study reveals significant spatial variations in underwater noise levels within the Port of Cartagena, identifying key sources of impulsive noise that could impact marine biodiversity. Researchers used a smart digital hydrophone mounted on a vessel to record sound pressure levels between 10 and 200 kHz, coupled with GPS data to create a GIS map of spatiotemporal noise distribution. The findings highlight the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate impulsive noise pollution in port environments, serving as a foundation for future studies on its ecological effects.
Análisis de las empresas de Cartagena del sector logístico portuario basado en el modelo de configuración estratégica de Danny Miller
Cartagena's port logistics sector is emerging as a strategic cluster of significant importance, not only for the local and national economy but also for the Caribbean region. The study reveals that the sector's competitive advantage stems from substantial investments in infrastructure and its strategic location, enabling connectivity with over 600 ports across 140 countries. This analysis, based on Danny Miller's strategic configuration model and Porter's Five Forces Competitiveness Model, highlights the sector's potential to sustain and enhance its role as a key driver of economic development and trade flows.
Estimating the impact of cruise tourism through regional input–output tables
Cruise tourism significantly boosts the economy of Cartagena, Spain, with total impacts including employment, wages, gross operating surplus, and value added. Unlike previous studies relying on national input-output (IO) tables, this research leverages a newly available regional IO framework to accurately compute both indirect and induced effects alongside direct survey data. The findings highlight the substantial economic ripple effects of cruise ship visits, providing critical insights for policymakers and stakeholders to manage this growing industry effectively.
La competitividad potencial del puerto de Cartagena: una oportunidad para el comercio exterior
The port of Cartagena de Indias demonstrates significant potential competitiveness for foreign trade, particularly through its multimodal transport system. This advantage is driven by cost efficiencies and strategic positioning that enhance the movement of containerized goods. The study employs a reflexive analysis approach, integrating direct observation, statistical data from the Port Society and Republic Bank, and insights from academic literature. It builds on prior research, including a degree-level analysis conducted at the Technological University of Bolívar, to identify critical points in fluvial transport that could further optimize logistics. By leveraging these findings, the port emerges as a promising hub for international commerce, with implications for regional trade dynamics.
Silencing Genocide: The Jesuit Ministry in Colonial Cartagena de Indias and its Legacy
Colonial Cartagena de Indias, a pivotal port in the transatlantic slave trade, was home to a Jesuit ministry that both ministered to enslaved Africans and perpetuated the destruction of African life through colonization and enslavement. This study reveals how the historical legacy of this ministry has contributed to the silencing of the atrocities committed during the slave trade, leading to a distorted understanding of the Catholic Church's and Jesuits' role in these destructive processes. The research focuses on key figures like Saint Peter Claver and Alonso de Sandoval, whose works have shaped scholarly narratives but also obscured the genocidal impact of enslavement. By analyzing primary sources and historical records, the study argues that the ministry's legacy continues to influence contemporary perceptions, reinforcing a narrative that downplays the Church's complicity in systemic violence.
Imposex in Stramonita haemastoma from coastal sites of Cartagena, Colombia
A study on the gastropod Stramonita haemastoma in Cartagena, Colombia, revealed high levels of imposex—where females develop male sexual characteristics due to chemical contamination—in coastal waters. At Birds' Island, 93.1% of females exhibited imposex, compared to 31.8% at La Bocana, with both sites showing signs of organotin compound contamination. The research compared morphometric variables and imposex frequency between high- and low-port activity locations, indicating significant differences linked to human influence. These findings highlight the environmental impact of antifouling paints on marine life in Cartagena's coastal ecosystems.
Cartagena de Indias y su tierra adentro a fines del siglo XVIII : un análisis demográfico
A stark demographic disparity characterized the Colombian Caribbean at the end of the 18th century, where prosperous port cities like Cartagena contrasted sharply with rural areas marked by extreme poverty, sparse population density, and limited integration. This study reveals that while urban centers thrived—evidenced by their dynamic architecture—the majority of the rural population lived in dispersed, impoverished conditions, largely outside the reach of colonial authorities and the Catholic Church. Using data from a 1777 census commissioned by the Spanish Crown, the research analyzes this imbalance, highlighting its long-term impact on economic development, urbanization, and wealth distribution. The findings underscore the tragic paradox of a region where urban prosperity coexisted with rural marginalization, offering insights into the enduring colonial legacy shaping socioeconomic dynamics.
Fluvial and Maritime Commerce through the Port of Cartagena de Indias as A Conciliatory Element in the Viceroyalty of Nueva Granada’s Economy, 1780–1810
Cartagena de Indias played a pivotal role as a conciliatory element in the economy of the Viceroyalty of Nueva Granada (1780–1810), facilitating interregional commerce through its strategic fluvial and maritime connections. The port served as a critical hub for trade, linking main ports, cities, and villages while managing diverse goods, taxes, and merchant networks. This study analyzed commercial exchanges by examining the movement of merchandise, tax systems, and the establishment of trade routes, revealing how Cartagena's infrastructure and logistics supported economic cohesion across the region.
Los sistemas defensivos del Real Arsenal de Cartagena (S. XVIII)
During the 18th century, Cartagena and its arsenal emerged as the primary naval facility of the Spanish Mediterranean, defended by three interconnected fortification systems. The first system comprised perimeter ramparts and a battery to safeguard the shipyard itself, while the second focused on marine defense through batteries at the harbor's mouth. The third system addressed land-based threats with town ramparts and external forts on key hills. These defenses proved effective in protecting both the arsenal and the city from external attacks, remaining operational until the early 20th century when many were abandoned. This study highlights the strategic architectural and military significance of these fortifications during a pivotal period for Spain's naval power.
Port adaptation for climate change: The roles of stakeholders and the planning process
A comprehensive analysis of climate change adaptation for ports, particularly focusing on Terminal Maritimo Muelles El Bosque (MEB) in Cartagena, Colombia, reveals significant risks and opportunities. The study identifies that MEB's strategic location in a secure natural harbor shields it from tropical storms but highlights the vulnerability of road infrastructure to sea-level rise due to limited elevation data availability. It also underscores the sensitivity of port operations to global economic fluctuations, with climate change potentially altering market conditions for trade. The research employs a stakeholder engagement and planning process framework to assess these dynamics, providing actionable insights for ports facing similar challenges.
Sailing Through the Sacraments: Ethnic and Cultural Geographies of a Port and Its Churches-Cartagena de Indias
A unique analysis of parish books from Cartagena de Indias Cathedral reveals the complex ethnic and cultural dynamics within a slave society, challenging rigid racial hierarchies. These records, maintained by naval chaplains, document sacraments performed across diverse groups—including Spaniards, Creoles, Africans, free people of color (pardos libres), and enslaved individuals—exposing fluid social boundaries and the agile navigation of racial fissures within a frontier society. The study maps distinct geographical spaces developed along the coast and in the port city, illustrating how Africans, Europeans, and Indigenous peoples collectively created a multicultural 'tropical Babylon.' This work underscores the adaptability of institutions like the navy, military, and church in incorporating marginalized groups, thereby reshaping the theoretical caste system.
Violent Delights, Violent Ends: Sex, Race, and Honor in Colonial Cartagena de Indias
Colonial Cartagena de Indias women strategically manipulated sexual and gendered norms to navigate Spanish judicial systems, leveraging rhetoric around sex and honor to advance their cases. Nicole von Germeten's analysis of 24 judicial cases from the late 16th to early 19th centuries reveals how these women—spanning enslaved, wealthy, black, white, peninsulares, and creole backgrounds—exploited colonial legal biases for personal benefit. While the study offers detailed insights into a small sample of cases involving sexual violence, honor killings, witchcraft, adultery, and estupro, its narrow focus on womanhood as a transgenerational marker may overlook broader social dynamics of race, power, and class. The work contributes to early modern Caribbean historiography but risks generalizations due to limited primary evidence and analytical detachment from Cartagena's historical context.
Mentiras verdaderas o la topología de la guerra. Aproximación arqueológica a la cartografía colonial de Bocachica, Cartagena de Indias
Colonial maps and plans of Cartagena de Indias from the 17th and 18th centuries reveal that representations of the port were shaped by the 'topology of war,' blending factual descriptions with strategic exaggerations. This study demonstrates how these cartographies, despite their inaccuracies, provided a framework to dissolve dichotomies between nature and culture, as well as land and sea, by depicting a heterogeneous landscape populated by human and non-human actors. By analyzing overlapping and polysemic elements in the maps, researchers have developed a methodology to reconstruct maritime battles, such as those of 1697 and 1741, and track the evolution of warfare landscapes in Bocachica's canal. The approach highlights how colonial cartography served both descriptive and strategic purposes, offering new insights into historical conflicts and spatial narratives.
Rivers of Gold, Lives of Bondage
Enslaved Africans were pivotal to the expansion of Spanish imperial power and the colonization of the Americas, particularly in the Kingdom of Quito. This study reveals that slavery was not merely a system of labor but a fundamental dimension of governance, with enslaved individuals serving as symbols of royal authority through branding and Catholic baptism. By tracing their journey from Cartagena to Quito, the research demonstrates how these captives formed communal bonds, challenged their conditions, and integrated into a slave-based Catholic society. The crown's regulation of slavery extended its sovereignty over territories, resources, and markets, while also shaping colonial subjecthood. This work expands the diaspora paradigm beyond the Atlantic, offering new perspectives on the nature of slavery in the Afro-Andes during the early modern period.
Climate Change Risk Management for Ports
Ports, located on coasts and rivers, face significant climate change risks including sea level rise and extreme weather events. A collaborative study between the International Financial Corporation and Terminal Marítimo Muelles el Bosque (MEB) in Cartagena, Colombia, identified key risks and opportunities for ports. The research highlights that climate change not only threatens port infrastructure but also impacts trade, shipping, and surrounding communities. It proposes economic and sustainable adaptation strategies while outlining challenges to implementing these measures. This study provides valuable insights into managing climate risks at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Cartagena's Port, Fortresses, and Group of Monuments.
Una Contribución para Conocer el Fuerte San Fernando de Bocachica, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
A comprehensive analysis of Fort San Fernando de Bocachica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, reveals urgent structural concerns and the need for restoration. The study, conducted between October 2012 and January 2013, identified significant material degradation, crack patterns, and structural failures, particularly in the 'necesarias' room—a T-shaped, vaulted space with problematic construction choices. Geometric and material surveys highlighted the fort's architectural uniqueness but also underscored its precarious state, necessitating immediate consolidation efforts. To enhance its cultural value, the researchers propose a functional upgrade to transform this undervisited historical site into a tourist attraction.
Cruise Passengers in a Homeport: A Market Analysis
A market analysis of cruise passengers in Cartagena, Colombia, reveals six distinct segments characterized by nationality, satisfaction levels, safety perceptions, and spending habits. The study, based on 1,361 survey responses collected in the third quarter of 2009, used multivariate techniques including correspondence analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and decision tree modeling to identify these groups. Key findings suggest that enhancing perceived safety could encourage repeat visits, while targeted marketing strategies may attract young South American tourists. Extending inland visiting times is also recommended to maximize local economic benefits.
Cruise Passengers' Expenditure in the Caribbean Port of Call of Cartagena de Indias: A Cross-Section Data Analysis
Cruise tourism significantly boosts Cartagena de Indias' economy, with heavy spenders—distinguished by age, nationality, income, and spending habits—driving higher expenditures. A cross-sectional regression analysis revealed distinct tourist profiles, where those who disembarked for longer durations or came from high-income countries spent more. This study highlights the economic impact of cruise tourism, emphasizing the role of passenger behavior in shaping local revenue. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and tourism stakeholders aiming to optimize economic benefits from this growing industry.
Cruise passengers' satisfaction: Cartagena de Indias
Cruise passengers visiting Cartagena de Indias report high overall satisfaction with their onshore experiences, but significant concerns persist regarding city infrastructure—particularly traffic, noise, cleanliness, and street vendors—as well as the general shopping experience. Tourists from the USA exhibit higher expectations for full satisfaction compared to other groups. Despite these challenges, over 52% of participants expressed intent to return as land tourists, while more than 60% would recommend the destination to friends, indicating strong potential for tourism growth. The study employed a questionnaire survey of 1,361 passengers from 28 cruise ships in October and November 2009, followed by factor and cluster analysis. Future research should explore seasonal variations to further assess these findings.
Cruise passengers’ satisfaction in the Caribbean port of call of Cartagena de Indias: A cross-section data analysis
Cruise passengers disembarking in Cartagena de Indias exhibit distinct spending behaviors linked to demographic and economic factors. Heavy spenders, characterized by higher income levels, longer shore excursions, and specific nationalities, significantly contribute to the local economy compared to other tourist segments. The study employs cross-sectional regression models to analyze expenditure patterns, revealing that age, nationality, and spending habits are key differentiators among cruise passengers. This research highlights the economic importance of Cartagena as a major Caribbean cruise port call, providing insights into how different tourist profiles influence regional tourism revenue.
Tourists' Intention of Returning to a Visited Destination: Cruise Ship Passengers in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
About half of cruise ship passengers visiting Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, express a strong intention to return as stayover tourists. This likelihood is significantly influenced by their geographic residence, satisfaction with the experience, time spent ashore, and whether they typically travel on cruises. The study, based on surveys conducted in 2009, reveals that potential repeat visitors are predominantly male, highly educated, young, often on their first cruise, and tend to engage in self-organized visits. They also report high satisfaction with services and security during their port stay.
Estrategia para la defensa y ubicación de las fortificaciones de la plaza fuerte de cartagena de indias en el siglo xviii a partir de condiciones océano-atmósfera y variaciones morfológicas en la línea de costa
A multitemporal analysis reveals that the strategic placement of Cartagena de Indias' 18th-century fortifications, including the Bocagrande submarine wall built in 1773, was significantly influenced by ocean-atmosphere conditions and coastal morphologic changes. The study leveraged modern space data coupling techniques to assess how these factors shaped military defense infrastructure during British threats. By examining cartography from the 1960s to present, researchers demonstrated that the Spanish Crown's decisions on fortification locations were closely tied to geomorphological shifts along Cartagena’s coastline, underscoring the interplay between historical military strategy and natural coastal evolution.
La génesis de la dársena del puerto de Cartagena a lo largo del siglo XVIII
The construction of the artificial basin in Cartagena's Mandarache Sea during the 18th century represents a groundbreaking achievement in military engineering, showcasing the advanced technical knowledge of the Bourbon naval fleet. This doctoral thesis highlights the unprecedented challenge posed by this project, which involved two distinct phases: design and implementation. Through an analysis of numerous projects and the construction process, the study reveals how the basin's development set a milestone in illustrated technical culture. The research emphasizes the significance of understanding both the genesis and execution of such complex architectural works to appreciate their historical impact on naval engineering.
The First Great Waves: African Provenance Zones for the Transatlantic Slave Trade to Cartagena de Indias, 1570–1640
Between 1570 and 1640, the transatlantic slave trade to Cartagena de Indias, a primary Spanish colonial port, was equally dominated by captives from Upper Guinea and Angola, with a smaller contribution from Lower Guinea. Contrary to prior assumptions, Angola's rise as the dominant source of slaves occurred more gradually than previously believed. This finding emerges from an analysis of 487 ship entry records, documenting nearly 80,000 disembarkations. The study challenges established narratives by revealing a more nuanced and prolonged transition in slave provenance zones, offering new insights into the dynamics of early colonial-era trade networks.
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