Manila to Cartagena shipping route.

Ships leaving Manila for Cartagena head north east and cover a sea distance of 9,820 nautical miles (18,187 km), via Panama Canal. The straight line between the ports is 16,690 km; coastlines and shipping lanes add the rest. On the way the vessel passes Panama Canal, so canal transit fees and waiting time at the canal are part of every voyage.

Shipping time depends on speed. At 14 knots, a common container ship service speed, the passage takes 29.2 days at sea. Slow steaming at 12 knots stretches it to 34.1 days, while 18 knots brings it down to 22.7. 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 Manila and Cartagena to plan the full ocean transit time.

The next option is via Suez Canal, 12,482 nautical miles, 2,662 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Strait of Gibraltar is congested or closed.

Container freight rates on Manila to Cartagena move with fuel prices, ship capacity and the season. Compare several carriers before booking: the cheapest sailing is often the slowest one. At Cartagena (COCTG) carriers give about 10 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 Manila in this directory, Cartagena is the 53rd shortest. Closer destinations include Rotterdam (9,738 nm), Antwerp (9,719 nm) and London Gateway (9,667 nm).