As Colombia’s foreign trade grows and cargo mixes evolve, ports are focusing on equipment that extends handling capability within existing infrastructure. The introduction of a high-capacity Liebherr mobile harbour crane at Cartagena reflects a measured approach to accommodating larger vessels and changing operational demands without major structural expansion.
A new operational reference point for Colombian ports. Compas has placed an LHM 600 into service at its Cartagena terminal to reinforce container-handling capability within one of the country’s most active maritime zones. The crane’s 61-metre outreach allows it to work across wider container vessels calling at the terminal, while its 104-tonne lifting capacity supports heavy container moves and twin-lift operations where required. Mounted on a mobile undercarriage, the crane can be reallocated between berths as traffic patterns change. This flexibility is particularly relevant at a multipurpose terminal handling containers alongside bulk, project and refrigerated cargo.
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Supporting Cartagena’s role in national and regional trade
Located in one of Colombia’s most strategically positioned port areas, Compas Cartagena functions as a critical connection point between domestic supply chains and international shipping routes. The terminal combines container operations with bulk and general cargo handling, supported by specialised infrastructure including certified cold storage facilities and non-intrusive inspection systems capable of scanning up to 150 containers per hour. Introducing higher-capacity quay handling equipment helps balance these diverse operational requirements without compromising throughput or safety.
“This investment strengthens our ability to serve shipping lines and cargo owners more reliably as trade volumes continue to evolve,” a Compas representative said. “By expanding handling capacity within our existing footprint, we are reinforcing Cartagena’s role as a stable and efficient gateway for Colombian foreign trade.”
The arrival of the crane also supports smoother vessel turnaround during peak periods, reducing operational bottlenecks and supporting consistent cargo flows through the Colombian Caribbean.
Mobile harbour crane versatility aligned with long-term operations
At Compas Cartagena, where four berths support container, bulk, refrigerated and project cargo alongside one another, operational sequencing is critical. The LHM 600 adds an additional layer of planning certainty by allowing higher-capacity container moves to be scheduled without disrupting parallel cargo flows. This supports more consistent berth utilisation and aligns crane performance with the terminal’s digital operating systems and inspection infrastructure.
The crane is supported by Liebherr’s regional sales and service organisation, ensuring access to local technical expertise, spare parts and scheduled maintenance. This framework is designed to maintain predictable crane availability while supporting the terminal’s continuous operations.
“Our objective is to deliver equipment that integrates into complex port environments and supports steady, long-term performance,” Andreas Ritschel, General Manager Sales Mobile Harbour Cranes at Liebherr-Rostock GmbH noted. “In Cartagena, this means enabling flexible container handling while respecting the operational realities of a multipurpose terminal.”
For Colombia, where ports serve not only as trade gateways but as economic stabilisers for regional industries, incremental improvements at established terminals often deliver the greatest long-term value. The commissioning of the LHM 600 at Cartagena reflects a focus on strengthening operational continuity at a proven hub, reinforcing the port’s role in supporting exports, imports and supply chain reliability across the country.