Colombia earthquake forces Maersk to halt operations at Buenaventura port

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, killing at least 265 people and cutting roads to the Pacific coast port of Buenaventura.

Maersk issued an advisory on August 11. Terminal operations were paused while facilities and infrastructure were inspected. The Luna Maersk was working a berth at the time and could not finish its cargo. Maersk cancelled the Gudrun Maersk's Buenaventura call and moved that cargo to the next available sailing.

Landslides blocked roads between the port and Colombia's interior. Inland container yards and depots shut for safety checks.

Coffee exports stopped. According to Splash247, Asoexport, Colombia's coffee exporters' association, estimated that each day of the shutdown holds back more than 30,000 bags - around 2,000 tonnes.

Maersk said road closures and traffic restrictions would also delay cargo moving between the port and Colombia's interior.