The recent discharging of four high-capacity power transformers at the Ports of Angamos and Antofagasta marks a critical logistics feat in heavy cargo handling along Chile’s northern coastline.
Among the standout moments was the successful unloading of a 194-ton transformer at EPA Terminal Antofagasta — a unit ranked among the heaviest ever moved through the port. The operation demanded strict logistical precision, involving coordinated efforts across international shipping routes, port terminal handling, and inland heavy transport.
The project unfolded across two key locations: the Port of Angamos and the Antofagasta terminal. Each transformer required dedicated heavy-lift gear, strict scheduling, and seamless cooperation between maritime agents, stevedores, and inland hauliers. The most complex challenge came at Antofagasta, where the 194-ton unit needed exact rigging and synchronized crane operations to mitigate risk and prevent equipment strain.
This multi-phase effort highlights the operational strength and planning discipline of the involved teams. Crews worked under tight timelines, navigating port constraints and adhering to high safety benchmarks. From the moment the transformers arrived onboard their carriers, the logistics chain was activated—from port arrival coordination through to the last-mile positioning.
The operation’s success reflects not just technical capacity, but also the strength of coordination between local port authorities, heavy-lift specialists, and the overarching project execution team. Their ability to balance safety, timing, and complexity reinforces the importance of intermodal collaboration in high-stakes cargo movements.
A representative from the project team noted, “This project tested our precision at every level—from engineering the lifting plan to aligning with port protocols. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when everyone moves in sync.”
Source: hansameyer/linkedin
