Cartagena to Melbourne shipping route.

The shipping route from Cartagena, Colombia to Melbourne, Australia covers 8,470 nautical miles port to port, via Panama Canal. On a globe the two ports sit 14,963 km apart, so the ship sails 1.05 times the straight line distance. On the way the vessel passes Panama Canal, so canal transit fees and waiting time at the canal are part of every voyage.

At sea, the voyage lasts 29.4 days at 12 knots, 25.2 days at 14 knots and 19.6 days at 18 knots. Container transit time on a liner service is longer than the steaming time: ships call at other ports on the rotation, and cargo may transship at a hub. Add terminal time at Cartagena and Melbourne to plan the full ocean transit time.

The next option is via Cape of Good Hope, 12,045 nautical miles, 3,575 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Cape of Good Hope is congested or closed.

Container freight rates on Cartagena to Melbourne move with fuel prices, ship capacity and the season. Compare several carriers before booking: the cheapest sailing is often the slowest one. At Melbourne (AUMEL) carriers give about 8 free days before demurrage and detention charges start, so plan the truck or rail pickup before the box lands.

Of the 65 port to port routes from Cartagena in this directory, Melbourne is the 42nd shortest. Closer destinations include Sydney (8,162 nm), Tokyo (8,149 nm) and Yokohama (8,138 nm).