Dachser Air & Sea Logistics has completed an exceptionally difficult transport of a mass spectrometer, a highly sensitive device for determining the mass of atoms and molecules, from Bremen to Colombia. Transporting the device through the mountainous Andean region and tropical forests to the client, a Colombian oil market giant, took 5 days.
Over the course of five days, the mass spectrometer covered 8,900 km using various modes of transport across the wilderness of South America. Dachser Air & Sea Logistics from Bremen not only organized the transport of the device but was also responsible for its loading and unloading, customs clearance, and proper securing. Preparations for the 5-day transport took as long as 6 weeks.
Demanding terrain of Colombia
The journey began in Bremen, located in northern Germany. The spectrometer was loaded by crane onto a truck, which transported it to the airport in Amsterdam. Then, it arrived in Bogota via a secure cargo plane. Here began the most exciting part of the journey through the Andes. The Colombian partner of Dachser prepared professionally and efficiently to take over the demanding cargo. The most sensitive part of the device – a helium-filled magnet – was equipped with sensors to record even the slightest vibrations. The weather helped in completing the journey safely – it had not rained for several months, so the roads were in good condition. During the rainy season, they are often flooded and impassable. Completing this final 400-kilometer stage of the journey took two full days.
Securing during transport
The recipient of the modern, precision device from Germany was an oil and gas industry giant in northeastern Colombia. This country, famous worldwide for the export of cut flowers, emeralds, and agricultural products, also possesses very abundant oil deposits. The properly secured mass spectrometer arrived at its destination, where it was unloaded and installed by Dachser’s Colombian partner.
– I am proud of the successful completion of this demanding logistics operation – says Thilo Kugel, Branch Manager of Dachser Air & Sea Logistics in Bremen – This project required high precision and sensitivity in planning and executing the order. Thanks to the support of our partners in Bogota and Bucaramanga, we were able to execute it perfectly.
In 2012, Dachser, an international logistics operator, generated a turnover of 4.41 billion euros, employing 21,650 people in 347 branches worldwide. The company delivered 49.8 million shipments with a total weight of 37.46 million tons.