Bioceanic Corridors Advance in Latin America with Focus on Connecting Production, Ports and Asian Markets

Latin America is developing various projects aimed at connecting inland production areas with the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, amid the diversification of trade routes and growing trade with Asia. These initiatives incorporate roads, railways, ports and border crossings, but their development poses challenges that go beyond infrastructure construction, including coordination among countries, the efficiency of border processes and integration between different modes of transport.

One of the main projects under development is the Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor, which connects Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile. Its route includes a connection between Puerto Murtinho in Brazil, Paraguayan territory, the Argentine provinces of Salta and Jujuy, and ports in northern Chile, mainly Antofagasta, Mejillones and Iquique.

The estimated length ranges between 2,400 and 3,200 kilometers, depending on the route and destination terminal. One of the key infrastructure projects associated with the corridor is the Bioceanic Bridge, which connects Puerto Murtinho with Carmelo Peralta in Paraguay. The corridor is intended to facilitate cargo movements toward the Pacific and Asian markets. Its infrastructure is at different stages of construction and improvement, while challenges remain related to border crossings, security, complementary works and customs coordination.

Routes between Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and Peru

Another initiative is the Central Bioceanic Corridor, which considers connections between Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. The objective is to link inland production areas in South America with Pacific ports through routes crossing Bolivia toward northern Chile and Peru.

The project includes both road and rail options. Factors affecting its progress include financing, pending infrastructure, geographical conditions and the multinational coordination required for its implementation. At the same time, the Southern Interoceanic Highway already provides an operational land connection between Brazil and Peru. At approximately 2,400 kilometers, it links the Brazilian state of Acre with the Peruvian road network leading to the ports of Matarani, Ilo and Marcona.

The highway has been in operation for more than a decade, although the use of this connection for international cargo flows remains limited. There are also railway initiatives seeking to expand connection options between Brazil and the Pacific, including alternatives linked to the Port of Chancay.

In this corridor, the challenges identified include logistics competitiveness, the generation of cargo demand, infrastructure maintenance and the socio-environmental impacts associated with construction and operations in the Amazon.

A new rail alternative between Chile and Argentina

In the central part of the region is the Longotoma Bioceanic Corridor, a private-sector proposal for a rail freight connection between Mendoza, Argentina, and Los Andes, Chile, with onward access to the coast of the Valparaíso Region.

The initiative involves an estimated investment of US$9.6 billion. The route would continue to La Ligua, where a logistics center and a deep-water submarine port are planned. It also includes the expansion of the Chilean land port to increase its capacity to handle trucks and vehicles.

The project is currently at the proposal stage and seeking institutional support to advance bilateral coordination. Pending aspects include financing, feasibility, permits, required infrastructure and agreements between Chile and Argentina.

Mexico expands its interoceanic platform

In Mexico, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec Interoceanic Corridor (CIIT) integrates rail and port infrastructure with industrial hubs into a multimodal logistics platform.

Line Z, spanning 308.5 kilometers, connects Coatzacoalcos with Salina Cruz and has been operational since 2023. Line FA, covering 330.45 kilometers, has been in operation since 2024 and is progressing with its connection to Dos Bocas and the Olmeca Refinery.

Meanwhile, Line K, extending 447 kilometers, will expand the network toward Puerto Chiapas and the Guatemalan border, with some sections still under construction. The platform includes the ports of Coatzacoalcos, Salina Cruz, Dos Bocas and Puerto Chiapas.

For the corridor, the main challenges are completing railway and port infrastructure, attracting cargo volumes and advancing the integration of its logistics and industrial components.

Colombia plans rail connection between the Pacific and Caribbean

In Colombia, a 223-kilometer railway project seeks to establish a connection between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The initiative also includes two new ports in Juradó and Titumate, in the department of Chocó.

The route includes approximately 28 kilometers of tunnels, 121 kilometers of viaducts and 72 kilometers of track on ground level, as well as future electrification. The project aims to establish a multimodal platform connecting both coasts and developing new alternatives for international trade.

The pre-feasibility studies have been completed, and the feasibility phase began in May 2026. Geographical complexity, economic viability, environmental protection, financing and engagement with local communities are among the issues that will need to be addressed during its development.

The port and border component

Across the different corridors, the connection between road, rail and maritime transport is one of the key elements. The ability of ports to handle new cargo flows will need to be supported by access infrastructure, terminals, logistics areas and last-mile connections.

At the border level, the projects require faster and more digitalized customs processes, while multinational operations demand regulatory coordination and compatible standards among the countries involved.

Thus, the performance of these corridors will depend not only on the length or capacity of their roads and railways, but also on the integration of inland infrastructure, ports, customs and maritime transport. The time, cost and reliability of moving cargo from its origin to the port and subsequently to its destination market will be key factors in assessing their performance.

By MundoMaritimo