Power equipment export at full scale
A full-capacity liner operation transporting high-value transformers under deck from Colombia to the United States
Heavy cargo on a liner scale
Liner service performance at maximum utilisation
This project marked the largest export of power equipment from Colombia to the United States, involving a total of 80 transformers with capacities ranging from 2.8 MVA to 150 MVA. The shipment was supported by approximately 150 additional boxes of accessories required for installation at the final destination. With a total cargo value exceeding USD 20 million, the operation demanded a high level of reliability, cargo care, and execution precision throughout the entire transport chain.
The shipment was carried out on board MV Industrial Dolphin, deployed on SAL Intermarine’s Americas liner service and loaded at Mamonal Terminal in Cartagena, Colombia.
Full underdeck stowage at near-maximum vessel capacity
Due to the sensitivity and dimensions of the cargo, all units were required to be stowed under deck. As a result, the vessel operated at near-maximum capacity, both in terms of available cargo space and lifting capability.
The heaviest transformer weighed 85 mt, supported by three additional units of approximately 77 mt each and one unit of 35 mt. The remaining transformers had an average weight of around 15 mt.
In total, 230 individual cargo pieces were handled during the operation.
Precision loading under tight timelines
The port operation in Cartagena was completed over a period of three consecutive days. This included vessel preparation, cargo sequencing and intake, heavy lift loading operations, as well as welding, securing and lashing activities.
The execution required close coordination between SAL Intermarine’s Operations, Technical and Line Management teams to ensure that lifting plans, stowage arrangements and securing concepts were fully aligned with vessel capabilities and stability requirements.
Supporting North American power infrastructure
The cargo was transported to the United States to support the continued expansion of power-intensive infrastructure, including large-scale data centre developments. Colombia has established itself as a reliable export base for high-value power equipment, supported by its strategic geographic location, advanced manufacturing capabilities and strong connectivity to North American trade lanes.
SAL Intermarine’s Americas liner service provided the required lift capacity, underdeck space and schedule reliability to execute the shipment as a single, consolidated export.
Reliability through experience and vessel capability
By allocating almost the full capacity of MV Industrial Dolphin to this shipment, SAL Intermarine ensured controlled and secure cargo handling, optimised underdeck stowage and reduced handling interfaces, resulting in a safe and efficient execution from load port to destination.
The successful completion of the operation demonstrates how liner services, combined with heavy lift expertise, can reliably handle large volumes of sensitive, high-value power equipment at scale.
At the same time, the project marks a milestone for Colombian exports to North America and highlights the role of specialised multipurpose liner vessels in supporting complex industrial supply chains across the Americas.