A comparative analysis of port connectivity index of transshipment ports inCaribbean Sea and Central America (CACM) region

Resumo

Significant research gaps persist in the field of international trade and logistics, particularly in understanding how countries in regions such as the Caribbean and Central America have optimized their capabilities to enhance port connectivity with leading global ports, positioning themselves as crucial participants in global supply chains. This study delves into the examination of global connectivity indexes for transshipment seaports in the Caribbean Sea and Central America (CACM) region, specifically focusing on Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. The study's findings reveal that all Caribbean ports assessed exhibit the United States within the top ten countries with the highest port connectivity index. Notable rankings include Panama (.425), Jamaica (.364), Dominican Republic (.361), Bahamas (.338), and Costa Rica (.307). In the case of Colombia, the data indicates that the United States holds the third position in the port connectivity index (.382), trailing behind Panama (.405) and Mexico (.388). Moreover, the
analysis highlights that transshipment ports in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Costa Rica have not achieved significant connectivity levels with ports in thriving economies of Southeast Asia, including China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore. These Southeast Asian ports are prominent in both the port connectivity index and global port trade. A comparative analysis establishes that traditional transshipment hubs like the Bahamas and Jamaica have experienced challenges due to the growth of the Panama port, the expansion of maritime connections at the Cartagena port, and the integration of the Dominican Republic port into the global maritime routes spanning Central America.