January 18 - Rickmers-Linie, the Hamburg-based specialist for breakbulk, heavy lift and project cargo, has appointed Gerleinco, Bogota, as its agent in Colombia with immediate effect.

Gerhard Janssen, director marketing and sales, Rickmers-Linie, says: "Having launched the NCS service to the North Coast of South America in June last year, the step to nominate an agent in Colombia was a logical consequence.

"Our commitment to Colombia and the region will be long-term and in Gerleinco we have found a reliable partner with an excellent reputation."

Eduardo Ulloa, president, Gerleinco said: "We welcome Rickmers-Linie's decision and commitment to call at Colombian ports, which comes at a time of unprecedented project investments in the country. We are certain that this new partnership, between two companies with more than a hundred years of experience each, will be successful in providing the best and most reliable services for the growing Colombian project cargo market in the years to come."

Rickmers-Linie announced its new service linking North Asia with South America and the Caribbean in June 2010. The service is operated by four multipurpose ships each capable of lifting up to 120 tonnes on a monthly schedule.