Ultratug supports crane delivery at new South American container terminal

Two tugs, one milestone

A fleet of Ultratug vessels assisted the first vessel to visit the Puerto Antioquia terminal in April 2025, supporting the arrival of new cranes for unloading and loading containers.

The Chilean tug owner said its tugboats Mrs Doroty and Gaira assisted the heavy-transport ship with its strategically important cargo into Puerto Antioquia, which is on the Caribbean coast in northwest Colombia.

Ultratug’s vessels met the heavy-transport ship after its month-long journey transporting the gantry cranes to the new terminal. Its tugs escorted the vessel into the port, then assisted in its manoeuvring and docking, ready for the cranes to be unloaded.

Port and maritime authorities, pilots, a ship agency and the harbour master were also involved in this project.

A new era for Colombian trade

“We achieved a successful operation that marks the beginning of a new era in the country’s maritime connectivity,” said Ultratug. “This is just the beginning. We will continue to make history and contribute to the economic development of Colombia, strengthening foreign trade and opening new doors for the future.”

Ultratug is a leading tugboat owners in Latin America, providing towage and pilotage services in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay.

About Puerto Antioquia

Puerto Antioquia is a multipurpose terminal located on the Gulf of Urabá, Colombia, with quaysides and facilities to manage general cargo, vehicles, refrigerated and dry containers, solid and liquid bulk grains.

So far, US$764M has been invested in the port ready to begin operations this year, with around 1,340 m of quayside, a draught along its docks of 16 m sufficient for Panamax vessels, and an expected annual cargo capacity of 7M tonnes.