Qingdao to Cartagena shipping route.

Ships leaving Qingdao for Cartagena head north and cover a sea distance of 8,993 nautical miles (16,656 km), via Panama Canal. The straight line between the ports is 14,586 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 26.8 days at sea. Slow steaming at 12 knots stretches it to 31.2 days, while 18 knots brings it down to 20.8. Liner schedules on the lane quote 24 to 64 days port to port, because the services call at other ports and some transship. Over the last 30 days we counted 44 sailings by 9 carriers (CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk).

The next option is via Suez Canal, 13,597 nautical miles, 4,604 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Suez Canal is congested or closed.

Recent freight rates for CNTAO to COCTG start at $7,350 for a 20GP and $8,000 for a 40GP ($7,775 for a 40HC). These are spot market prices from carriers that sail the lane; your quote will also include terminal handling, documentation and any bunker surcharge. 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 64 port to port routes from Qingdao in this directory, Cartagena is the 43rd shortest. Closer destinations include Genoa (8,984 nm), Balboa (8,666 nm) and Marsaxlokk (8,496 nm).