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GEODIS Tackles Colombia, Canada Moves

[ May 9, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Global logistics provider GEODIS recently completed a complex air cargo transport to Colombia, and has contracted to provide inbound logistics for Canada’s National Shipbuilding Program.
GEODIS’s Colombian just-in-time logistics operation featured oversized thermocompressors via Antonov AN-124, the world’s largest cargo aircraft. The move required transporting 249 pieces of oversized, overweight cargo totaling 776 tons and 4,455 cubic meters on 13 flights over seven days, from Lisbon to the southeast part of Colombia, transporting urgently needed oversized freight in Colombia on behalf of a GEODIS client.
GEODIS originally planned to mobilize the cargo in Cartagena and transport it to the end destination via the La Orquídea Bridge in Boyacá, the only road transport option for freight of this size and weight along the route. However, when the bridge collapsed in August 2023, GEODIS had to quickly develop and execute an alternative solution to transport the cargo via air to complete the urgent project on time.
The monumental project involved a complex planning and negotiation process between GEODIS and Antonov. After evaluating various air charter solutions, GEODIS identified the Antonov AN-124 as the only aircraft option that would be large enough to mobilize the cargo given its extra dimension and weight characteristics. The planning process included securing the aircraft given its limited availability amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Antonov’s focus on humanitarian aid.
“With 13 total flights, including a long international journey and 12 domestic trips, this unprecedented operation faced consistent challenges to overcome,” said Carlos Palacios, manager director of GEODIS in Colombia. “Despite the complexities, our team at GEODIS and our collaborators – including Antonov, the Colombian Air Force and the individual airports involved – were able to successfully come together to keep essential materials moving across the country at a critical time for our client’s operations.”
Once securing the Antonov AN-124, GEODIS evaluated and defined specific airports that would meet the technical conditions required to maneuver this type of aircraft. Ultimately, GEODIS selected Barranquilla and Apiay in Colombia due to the validation of payload and technical conditions of the runway. Additionally, in Apiay (a military base for the Colombian Aerospace Force), GEODIS facilitated a study to determine the correct maneuvers for landing and takeoff, the location of the aircraft as to not interrupt military base operations, fuel supply capacity and the availability of an alternate facility during ground time.
Given the scope of the operation both at origin and destination, the cargo was prepared in Cartagena and transported by land to Barranquilla before being transported on the Antonov AN-124. While the Antonov AN-124 has a capacity of 100 tons, the maximum payload accepted was 65 tons to land in Apiay. Therefore, GEODIS oversaw adjustments to the flight plans and load with Antonov, which ultimately meant transporting the cargo over 12 domestic flights.
GEODIS and Antonov adjusted the load to mobilize the 12 separate pieces, including removing crates from the parts, placing 12 additional lashing points inside the aircraft, removing stairs to fit the biggest piece of cargo onto the plane and more.
“Given the constant changes, urgency of timeline and sensitive nature of the cargo, this project marks one of the biggest accomplishments for our GEODIS in Colombia team,” Palacios said. “Together with our collaborators, we proved that with flexibility and world-class talent we can overcome extreme challenges and execute exceptional air operations on behalf of our clients.”

Canada Shipbuilding Contract

GEODIS has contracted to provide inbound logistics services for ship construction and repair projects as part of Halifax-based Irving Shipbuilding Inc.’s participation in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Program.
The contract, which will be managed by GEODIS’ Project Logistics’ team in Canada, with support from the company’s global network of offices, will cover all inbound shipments to ISI facilities in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to supply three shipbuilding programs: the Canadian Surface Combatant, Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships, and Halifax Class Frigate Repair Contracts. GEODIS’s proprietary IT systems will provide ISI with asset visibility throughout their supply chain.
“GEODIS was selected based on its global presence and industry-leading logistics capabilities, combined with a commitment to engage with local companies to provide this critical service,” said Michael Snow, IRI’s director of supply chain. “Accordingly, this contract helps Irving Shipbuilding fulfill its industrial technology benefits obligations under the Canadian government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.
The Canadian Government’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy seeks to leverage defense and Canadian Coast Guard procurements to contribute to jobs, innovation, and economic growth across the country. In line with these aims, The National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) set a plan to revitalize Canadian shipyards, bolster the Canadian Naval industrial base, renew Canada’s fleet, and to promote job creation. Irving Shipbuilding’s programs are an integral part of these policies.
“With our extensive experience in the defense and marine logistics sectors, we were able to provide a tailor-made solution focused on very specific client and governmental requirements, in a zero-harm environment,” said Luke Mace, GEODIS, senior vice president project logistics. “We are very excited to be working with Irving Shipbuilding, a company that has constructed over 80 percent of Canada’s Navy at sea and we look forward to continuing to build our presence in Canada through this partnership.”

Tags: Geodis