The implementation of the Port Expansion project in the Cartagena Free Zone (ZFC) represents the realization of a dream that will allow our company to export products on a larger scale and continue serving markets beyond our borders.

Once this mega-work is completed, it is estimated that the maximum nominal volumes of dispatch and reception of products will reach figures of over 2 million 400 thousand tons, which represents an increase of 126% compared to current capacity.

In addition to demonstrating our commitment to permanently deliver extraordinary solutions to our clients, the development of the project evidences the purpose of contributing to the construction of dreams in the regions where we have a presence. This is how we contribute to the development of the Caribbean Region through an investment in port infrastructure of around 37 million dollars, which has a significant impact on nearby communities through an important generation of employment during the construction phase, which will extend until the third quarter of 2021.

“Beyond technical issues and engineering challenges, the development of the work has demanded a special emphasis on the relationship with many external actors such as communities, public and private entities. We are pleased to know that this project will strategically enhance the export capacity of the Argos Free Zone, contributing to the development of the city and the region ”, commented Jorge Iván Sarmiento, senior leader of technical projects and director of the project.

Continuing to advance in construction, despite the current situation, has also represented an important challenge that, however, the team has seen as an opportunity: “the COVID 19 pandemic has meant the opportunity to discover new ways and work habits that will allow the work to be completed taking care of the health of all the collaborators, ”said Hector Wilson Guillen, manager of Technical Projects at the Cement Management Department.

Both also highlight the learning acquired in terms of teamwork and leadership, which has been key to the success of the project; and the great support of the logistics operation and the entire staff of the Cartagena Plant.

Main benefits of the mega-work

The expansion will improve the efficiency and capacity of the port to the extent that it will be able to receive more ships and more capacity, which is necessary for the development of the industrial activities of the ZFC, as well as companies linked to the Argos Group.

On the other hand, the construction of Terminal # 2, as it has been called, will complement the existing port infrastructure with the highest technological and environmental standards, benefiting the connectivity of production line 4 with the port and reinforcing its export vocation. This translates into greater competitiveness for the Argos Group at the national and international level.

Furthermore, at a technical level, the project will optimize export costs and freight by carrying out clinker movements by means of conveyor belts directly from the storage silos to the ship, at a capacity of 900 ton / h, avoiding the use of trucks to transport the material.

Work

The new dock will have a capacity of 60.000 DWT (deadweight tons), which refers to ships that could dock at the terminal through controlled maneuvering. This capacity is integrated to the others of the current industrial and port process, in an automated way, as well as to all the facilities required for its complete and optimal operation. It will also allow the battery of existing cement silos to be interconnected with the new terminal.

The dock structure will be 152 meters long by 18 meters wide, will occupy a total area of ​​3.601 square meters and will have the following elements:

• A 180 meter long walkway that will allow access for vehicles and people.
• 25 columns for the tripper band, which is the final part of the material transport and connects the system with the ship's loader.
• Systems for the installation of 33 maritime defenses for the protection of the dock in the berthing of boats.
• A charging system.
• 10 dust collectors in each transfer of the system.
• Cleaning and maintenance systems.
• Mooring systems for boats.
• 5 transfer towers.
• 4 conveyor belts that interconnect the terminal directly with the clinker silos of line 4 of the Cartagena Plant. One of them will cross the Mamonal road.
• A bulk clinker loading system for trucks.

Learn more details in the following video: