The World Bank; is seeking expressions of interest from qualified consulting firms to undertake a comprehensive port sector market analysis. The objective is to assess the long-term economic and trade trends affecting Colombia’s port infrastructure and to propose strategic; regulatory; financial; and institutional reforms aligned with global trade; technological transformation; and decarbonization pathways.This consultancy will provide the analytical foundation for the design of a future-oriented national port strategy; identifying actionable investments and policies that ensure Colombia’s ports remain competitive; resilient; and environmentally sustainable. The work will contribute directly to the implementation of the Government’s commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); as well as the National Port Policy (CONPES 4118 of 2023).Scope of Work:Task 1: Work Plan and MethodologyThe firm will develop a comprehensive and detailed work plan; outlining methodologies; data needs; timelines; and alignment with Colombia’s sustainability priorities. This includes defining macroeconomic and green transition scenarios; mapping global best practices in port modernization; and initiating structured engagement with private sector stakeholders.Task 2: Macro-Economic and Trade Policy Trends; Energy Outlook; and Port Sector DiagnosticsThis task involves a multidimensional analysis of Colombia’s macroeconomic context; global trade realignments; and regulatory environment. It will examine trade scenarios; energy transition developments (including IMO standards and green fuels); and review port sector governance; throughput patterns; infrastructure readiness; and shipping connectivity. The consultant will assess port competitiveness; legal frameworks; and institutional capacity.Task 3: Port Demand and Logistics Cost AssessmentThe consultant will map the hinterland logistics structure; including economic and demographic freight patterns; and assess multimodal connectivity with special attention to the Magdalena River. It will evaluate logistics costs along key corridors and trade routes (including comparisons via Panama and Suez canals) and identify potential shifts in market share. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted to assess cost impacts under different trade and fuel price scenarios.Task 4: Strategic Framework for Decarbonizing Port OperationsThe consultant will assess Colombia’s readiness to support green fuel logistics—especially hydrogen and offshore wind—and develop an infrastructure roadmap for decarbonized port operations. The framework will identify investments in shore power; low-carbon fueling stations; and infrastructure retrofits needed to align with emerging IMO standards and international best practices.Task 5: Legal and Policy Review for Green Investment EnablementA comprehensive institutional and legal review will identify regulatory bottlenecks and propose reforms to support low-carbon investments in ports. This includes assessing Law 1 of 1991; PPP frameworks; environmental licensing; and alignment with carbon finance instruments (e.g.; green bonds; carbon credits). International benchmarking will inform a reform roadmap for sustainable port concessions and investments.Task 6: Demand Forecasting for Sustainable Port ServicesThis task entails the development of long-term demand forecasts under baseline; optimistic; and conservative scenarios. The model will account for changes in cargo composition; trade routes; energy regulations; and technological advances to identify infrastructure and service gaps. Results will be disaggregated by port region; cargo type; and service type; including low-carbon logistics.Task 7: Final Roadmap for Port ModernizationThe consultant will consolidate all findings into a strategic roadmap; including a SWOT analysis and actionable recommendations to enhance competitiveness; sustainability; and operational efficiency. This final deliverable will propose prioritized infrastructure and policy actions; institutional reforms; and investment frameworks that enable private sector engagement and long-term transformation of the port sector.