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Heavy lifting operations are well underway in Colombia as the construction of Puerto Antioquia’s offshore connection bridge takes a significant step forward, with critical contributions from global heavy lift specialist Mammoet.
In a recent update, Mammoet confirmed its team in Colombia is actively supporting the offshore works at Puerto Antioquia, where a crucial connection bridge is taking shape. This bridge will link the port’s berthing platform with the mainland — a vital artery for the region’s incoming logistics capabilities.
At the core of the operation is a precise choreography of cranes and marine equipment. A 400-ton land-based crane was brought in to load structural components onto barges. Once afloat, the operation transitioned offshore, where a 600-ton crane mounted on a barge handled the installation phase. Each element, from cap beams to longitudinal beams, weighed between 55 and 85 tons. Timing, balance, and sea conditions played key roles in every lift
Given Puerto Antioquia’s position offshore, logistics present a constant challenge. It’s not just about the size and weight of components — it’s the coordination across land and water, the synchronization of tides with barge stability, and the safety of crew working at the edge of both environments.
The port itself is poised to reshape the flow of goods in northwestern Colombia. Strategically located in the Urabá region, Puerto Antioquia is designed to provide faster access to inland destinations. With fewer overland miles compared to traditional routes, it aims to cut travel times for imports and exports heading to and from Medellín and the country’s industrial heartlands.
