Managing complex cargo: behind the lifts with Martin Johansson
Meet Martin Johansson at APM Terminals Gothenburg
Martin Johansson is a man who thrives on the problem-solving, precision planning and teamwork it takes to move the cargo others can’t.
Let's ask him some questions about his work – and how he solves tricky cargo challenges – for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to move cargo that doesn’t fit the standard mould.
I’ve worked at the port since 2007 and joined APM Terminals in 2015.
I started working with Break-Bulk around 2022. Before that, I was often involved in salvaging overturned containers, which required us to come up with special lifting solutions – and that’s how I first got into handling more complex cargo.
It’s really the challenge that I like.
Container lifts are typically repetitive – 99% of the time it’s the same procedure.
But OOG and Break-Bulk cargo keep things interesting. Every case is different, and you often need to think creatively.
We once had to unload a 70-tonne tank with very limited prep time and almost no technical information.
The tank was wider than the crane legs, so we had to rotate it mid-air just to fit it through. To make things more difficult, it was raining continuously, with wind speeds around 15 metres per second.
That lift required fast thinking, precision handling and close teamwork.
The Lundby spreader comes to mind. It’s a 20-foot adjustable lifting beam – at least 50 years old – that had been sitting unused for years.
Our BBK team realised its potential, had it inspected, and brought it back into use. The adjustable lifting points make it ideal for handling unique loads.
A Vertol helicopter – using a reach stacker!
Teamwork is key. Some of us are more involved in planning, but we all contribute.
With loads between 50 and 100 tonnes, crane limits become a major factor – especially when it comes to how far out over a vessel the crane can reach. Every lift has multiple variables, and sometimes we consult with Asset Management to assess feasibility.
At APM Terminals Gothenburg, the height of ocean vessels adds complexity. The crane is 50 metres tall, and the ship's deck is about 25 metres high. If the cargo and lifting gear together exceed 24 metres, we simply can’t lift it over.
We also have to stay within specific lifting angles to avoid instability.
One Sunday night, we unloaded 50 tonnes of irregular cargo. During the lift, a 25-tonne sling got damaged and had to be discarded.
The problem? We needed an identical sling for a scheduled job the very next morning – and these slings usually take a week to order.
We contacted a rental company (which had none in stock), but through them, we reached a crane truck operator nearby. An hour later, we had a borrowed sling on-site.
That’s where strong relationships and quick thinking really pay off.
The variety. No two days are the same!
Every lift is a new challenge.
I spend most of my time with my partner and our two boys, aged 10 and seven. Between house renovations, family activities and seeing friends, life stays busy.
I used to race cars and motorcycles, but I’ve slowed down since the kids came along.
A few years ago, I built them an electric hot rod, which actually won a prize at Europe’s largest custom car show!
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It’s really the challenge that I like. 
I spend most of my time with my partner and our two boys, aged 10 and seven. Between house renovations, family activities and seeing friends, life stays busy.
