The three cranes, manufactured in Germany, were the first gantry cranes installed at PortMiami in 1983. Since their arrival more than thirty years ago, they have serviced thousands of ships and moved millions of containers during their time at PortMiami.

PortMiami officials are pleased that these cranes have found a new home in Colombia, one of its largest trading partners. The arrival of the cranes symbolizes the close relationship PortMiami has with Barranquilla, a city with which Miami has been connected historically and geographically for years. Now, with the transfer of these cranes, the two locations are even more solidly linked as partners in trade. The arrival of the arrival cranes will allow Barranquilla to increase capacity and support the growing of bi-lateral trade in the region.

The departure of the cranes coincides with the one year anniversary of the successful implementation of the Free-Trade Agreement between Colombia and the U.S., which has helped increased U.S. exports to Colombia by 20% in the last year.

"This transfer of infrastructure will help support the growth of imports and exports between PortMiami and Colombia, one of our major trading partners," said PortMiami Director Bill Johnson. "We're glad the cranes will be put to good use and hope it will assist us to continue to grow as partners in trade."

The crane's departure leaves room for the arrival of four new Super post-Panamax cranes that are scheduled to arrive at the Port this summer. The new cranes are part of PortMiami's $2 billion in infrastructure improvements, preparing the port for the opening of the expanded Panama Canal in 2015. In addition to the new cranes, PortMiami is dredging the main channel to -50/52 feet, constructing a four-lane port tunnel, and establishing modern on-dock rail that will link PortMiami directly to the U.S. rail system will support efforts for PortMiami to double cargo throughput and create 33,000 new jobs over the next decade.

About PortMiami

PortMiami is among America's busiest ports and recognized across the globe with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas. PortMiami contributes more than $27 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps provide direct and indirect employment for more than 207,000.