We’re Shipping Big Bertha – Again!
There is no road between South and Central America. Not a lot of people know that! Instead we have the Darién Gap; a 100km stretch of dense rainforest and swamp on the border between Panama and Colombia, making it the only overland break in the Pan-American Highway. So you’d think there would be a vehicle ferry. Er no. Instead we have to once again ship Big Bertha RoRo (Roll on Roll off) at an extraordinary cost comparable to the cost of shipping Big Bertha from Europe!
And we have to, once again, go through all the rigmarole associated with shipping: appoint shipping agents, purchase marine insurance, prepare truck, deposit truck at port, customs inspection, narcotics inspections, move to hotel in Colombia, fly to Panama, wait in hotel, collect truck and get it ready for travel again. Thankfully, our shippers, IVSS UK, run by past overlanders Martin and Nicole, and our local agents, Josue (Colombia) and Boris (Panama), are very supportive throughout.
Our ship, Sirius Leader, is pictured above. Unlike leaving South Africa, the customs and narcotics inspection in Colombia is very serious. The police instructed that David empty all the outside lockers and they then inspected all of the contents, before the adorable sniffer dog was walked around. Same for the inside.
This all took place inside the port and, once complete, anti-tamper stickers were placed on all doors and lockers (except for the driver’s door, as the truck has to be driven onto the ship).
Time wise, the shipping has been the most painless ever! We deposited Big Bertha at the Cartagena port on a Saturday and drove her out of Colon port in Panama the following Friday – six days!
Josue, our Colombian shipping agent representative.
The security at the port is very serious.
For the first time ever, I’m asked to empty all of Big Bertha’s lockers for a detailed inspection.
Inside as well.
And then the canine inspector is given a good sniff of every thing. Inside……
….and out.
As we leave Cartagena, we fly over the port and see that our ship, Sirius Leader has docked.
Big Bertha ready for collection in Colon Port, Panama
Phew! A wee bit stressful, even though you know they won’t find anything that shouldn’t be there!
I’m glad everything went through relatively quickly.
Looking forward to your next adventure ❤️
Well, let’s say that was your chance to do a thorough spring cleaning … inside and out! And to put your Sunday best on.
One more challenge mastered, well done.
Weiter so!
Viele Grüße aus München
Wonderful that everything went well, I bet you missed Big Bertha! Look forward to next adventure, with love,
Jean
Wow what a procedure . Glad it worked out well for you.
You are amazing intrepid travellers!
Onward to your next adventure.
After your last message, I was going to ask you why you didn’t just drive up to Panama rather than go to all the shipping hassle, but you’ve answered the question for me now.
Good luck in Central America……….
After your last message, I was going to ask you why you didn’t just drive up to Panama rather than go to all the shipping hassle, but you’ve answered the question for me now.
Good luck in Central America….
Dunno how it got sent twice !! My keyboard skills are obviously lacking…