COTECMAR (Corporación de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo de la Industria Naval Marítima y Fluvial; ) is a Colombian state-owned defense, shipbuilder, and engineering company that provides services to the Ministry of National Defense of Colombia and other domestic and international customers. It is the largest and most important shipbuilding and repair company in Colombia, with facilities in Mamonal and Bocagrande in Cartagena de Indias.[1]
History
Initially established in 1969 as CONASTIL, the organization served as a cornerstone of Colombia's naval industry until its liquidation in 1994.[2] Recognizing the crucial need to revive the nation's industrial and maritime capabilities, the Colombian Navy embarked on a mission from 1998 to 2000 to restore this vital sector. These dedicated efforts culminated on July 21, 2000, with the founding of COTECMAR—a new entity symbolizing a renewed commitment to advancing Colombia's naval, maritime, and fluvial industries.
In September 2022, COTECTMAR and the Damen Group signed an agreement to co-develop and produce five new frigates for the Colombian Navy based on the Sigma-class design.[3]