Interview of the week – Grupo Altius – Bolivia
this week we speak with
Alfredo Martinez Messuti,
General Manager,
Grupo Altius, Bolivia
THE "WHO-WHERE-WHAT" CHALLENGE
Alfredo's career in logistics began 28 years ago, right after he finished university in Argentina. He started working at APL in the container industry, and later, he worked for different companies in the shipping and logistics industry and in different countries such as Argentina, Chile, and now Bolivia, where he is now charge of the Altius office.
Tell us about Grupo Altius Bolivia. Who owns the company?
Altius Bolivia started operations in 2013, collaborating with major Spanish engineering companies on landmark projects in Bolivia, such as the Gran Chaco liquids separation plant. We focus on providing solutions to the project logistics sector, offering maritime, river, land, and air solutions.
Altius Bolivia is part of Grupo Dávila, a Spanish company with subsidiaries in several Latin American countries, including Argentina, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and the United States.
Tell us a few words about your personal experience, your expertise, and the company's business in general.
I have 28 years of experience in the logistics business. I have worked in different segments of the logistics business, such as shipowner, shipping agent, and freight forwarder, which has allowed me to have a complete vision of the business.
Over time and with the projects executed, I am convinced that the accumulated experience and the excellent team of professionals involved in the planning, development, and execution of the projects are key to success. Just as an example, in the case of the projects carried out by the Paraná – Paraguay Waterway, a team of professionals from three different countries was formed, combining their experience, knowledge and professionalism to ensure a successful project execution.
Where are your offices located?
The Altius offices in Bolivia are located in the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the main city of economic development in Bolivia. Av. Las Ramblas, Edificio Cubo II, Equipetrol. Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Tell us about projects that you have handled recently.
We should highlight the development we have generated for project cargo through the Paraná – Paraguay Waterway, as an alternative logistics route for large and heavy project cargo destined for the eastern zone of Bolivia. I can mention 10 electric motors weighing 115 tons each and a generator weighing 176 tons, 27 meters long by 7.7 meters in diameter. Both were transshipped at Zarate port, Argentina, onto Mississippi-type barges and delivered to the Mutun steel plant after navigating 2,750 km along the waterway. This milestone has positioned the Waterway as an unconventional transport route for project cargo.
Another important project we managed is the door-to-door transport of 16 coolers for the Oil & Gas industry, weighing 48.5 tons, 19.30 x 4.90 x 4.66 meters, from two oil fields in Sucre to the client's facilities in Veracruz, Mexico.
Which are the main industries served in Bolivia and which one seems to be your focus point?
We do not focus on a single sector; however, in the last 14 years, the Oil & Gas sector has generated most of our logistic operations. Since 2022 onwards, the energy industry (renewable and non-renewable) and mining (lithium) have gained more prominence in the logistics sector.
Is Project Cargo Forwarding competitive in Bolivia? How do you ensure that you stand out?
Project Cargo in Bolivia is a niche market with few players and also few suppliers. Additionally, Bolivia is a landlocked country with diverse, challenging geography and underdeveloped access routes for project cargo.
Altius focuses on providing logistical solutions to engineering challenges for transporting high-tonnage and oversized cargoes and finding alternative access routes to reach the various destinations where our clients require cargo delivery.
What parts of Heavylift project management seem to be challenging in Bolivia? Any advice to be shared as a precaution or as an important highlight to a potential customer?
Clients must understand that Bolivia is a landlocked country, diverse in geography, ranging from the Andes mountains to the Amazon forests, with critical access routes. This creates significant engineering challenges for transporting very large and heavy pieces.
The underdeveloped state of roads for project cargo transport makes proper route inspection crucial for project development. Points where bypasses, bridge reinforcement, and other important works are needed must be identified at the first stage of the project planning. The projects carried out and the experience gained provide us with a high added value that is essential in countries like Bolivia.
What made you personally join the industry?
It wasn't a planned decision. After many years of moving containers and conventional cargo, the world of projects presented itself as a great opportunity that I decided to take advantage of. One project led to another, and before I knew it, I was already in this fascinating and challenging world of projects that always pushes me beyond the limit. Every new project we move, and that you think nothing can surpass in complexity, the next one teaches you that the world of projects always, always challenges you to a new challenge.
What do you like the most about your business?
The satisfaction of seeing in motion what was planned for many months and even years, the satisfaction of seeing the project completed on site, is irreplaceable.
Who should be approached in Grupo Altius Bolivia for inquiries?
You can contact me directly at [email protected] / Cell: +591 710 90909.
