Building on five decades of legacy, the COLI Group was established in Germany as a liner agency for managing break bulk cargo shipments destined for the Western Mediterranean region. Expanding its franchise to the Latin American (LATAM) region, COLI Shipping & Transport do Brasil was established in 2015 to connect the burgeoning LATAM economy with the rest of the world. Since entering the Brazilian market, COLI has earned a strong market reputation and extensive local support, offering international standards in shipping, evidenced by various certifications, particularly in handling heavy and oversized cargo.
With expertise spanning industries such as energy, mining and technology, we serve as facilitators of trade, offering seamless transportation solutions across sea and land
“In LATAM, where diverse landscapes pose challenges, our experience and market analysis guide us in overcoming obstacles and tailoring our services to meet the most intricate client needs,” says Carlos Gouveia, commercial director. “With expertise spanning industries such as energy, mining and technology, we serve as facilitators of trade, offering seamless transportation solutions across sea and land. We are currently expanding international shipment operations to include 4PL logistics providers and partners to streamline supply chains.”
COLI’s ability to address the complexities within the intermodal space is a testament to its expertise. Key areas like Rio de Janeiro, Panama and the Amazon play crucial roles in shipping routes but also present distinct challenges beyond human control. Its investments in Guyana, give the company an additional edge in South America, expanding its activities with eyes to Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia and Ecuador. Through these regions, COLI expects to boost its operations and deliver solutions beyond the ordinary. The company employs out-of-the-box thinking and its four pillars of leadership, organization, human resources and IT technology to tackle any challenges arising in these regions.
One notable example is a project that was completed last year, where the team managed to transport three bullet tanks, each measuring over 42 meters in length and totaling approximately 12,500 freight tons. Besides the planning and coordination to overcome significant challenges, such as selecting the appropriate vessel and coordinating specialized equipment, the team was tasked to carefully analyze the best shipment route to execute every aspect of this operation flawlessly. Initially, this transportation was planned to go through the Panama Canal. However, due to severe drought and a waiting time of over one month, the COLI team decided to navigate the continent using the Strait of Magellan. The transportation took 50 days, excluding the time taken for the planning, but was still able to deliver the cargo on time.
Similarly, many other route-related issues, like those arising from the Amazon drought, are also addressed by the company using alternative transportation methods, such as barges, to ensure supply chain continuity despite climate challenges. Certifications from organizations like the Verified Carbon Standard and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance highlight COLI’s dedication to meeting international environmental standards and supporting community welfare while choosing the routes and shipping methods. The Go-Green project, aimed at eliminating carbon emissions across all operations, for instance, sets a strong example of COLI’s responsible corporate citizenship and dedication to supporting locals.
Gouveia sums it up best. He says, “We’re not just moving cargo; we’re building bridges between economies and creating pathways for growth and development. Our innovative solutions, therefore, become crucial steps that empower our clients to excel in their respective fields and achieve success.”
Currently, significant investments are pouring into Brazil, Chile and Argentina, particularly in the automotive sector. Investors are keen on the region’s rich resources, potential as a hub for electric cars and vital contributions to the oil and gas sectors. COLI is adapting and preparing its logistical solutions to seize these opportunities, recognizing the influx of investments and the region’s potential for growth.
A notable case highlights COLI’s capability to manage complex logistics in Chile. The company successfully transported a transformer weighing over 160 metric tons. This project, which required over two months of meticulous planning, involved analyzing road conditions, selecting the best routes and choosing appropriate vehicles. COLI addressed every detail of the rigging and transportation process, providing an innovative solution tailored to the client’s needs.
COLI views Latin America as fertile ground for development and continuously analyzes and plans its next steps to grow holistically. The company believes in maintaining a healthy organizational environment to better serve the market. This involves ensuring the well-being of the biodiversity, community, employees and clients. This commitment to caring for everyone around and creating a sustainable future makes COLI Shipping & Transport do Brasil stand out.
