The Maritime Sector in Colombia: A Conceptual Approach from Maritime Power Theory and Its Socioeconomic Impact

Abstract

The maritime sector constitutes a strategic component for the economic, social, and geopolitical development of States with access to the sea. In the Colombian case, despite its status as a bi-oceanic country and the growing relevance of maritime affairs in public policy, there is no consolidated academic definition of the maritime sector that enables a comprehensive delimitation and evaluation of its socioeconomic impact on the nation.
The objective of this article was to propose an academic conceptualization of the maritime sector in Colombia, grounded in maritime power theory, the analysis of socioeconomic variables, and comparison with international benchmarks. Methodologically, a descriptive-documentary study was conducted, supported by a systematic review of academic literature, institutional documents, and secondary statistics, particularly the Satellite Account of the Maritime Sector produced by the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE).
The findings indicate that the Colombian maritime sector encompasses economic, political, social, military, and knowledge-based activities, whose contribution to national GDP exceeds 5% on average. Furthermore, an integral definition of the maritime sector is proposed, aimed at strengthening academic research in this field and providing a conceptual foundation for public policy formulation and the strategic planning of national maritime development.