BLTWorld takes a look at how the investment in the latest dry-bulk cargo and container handling equipment, significantly improves efficiencies at ports and terminals and minimises the environmental impact of handling operations.
“We have seen a global trend in port infrastructure improvement initiatives, for maritime authorities to consider many critical factors
in the selection of capital equipment, apart from a machine’s performance merits,” says Ken Mouritzen, managing director at BLTWorld.
“In addition to handling efficiencies, important features to consider in the selection of handling equipment include the machine’s durability for operation in harsh marine conditions, its certification for safe use in potentially explosive atmospheres and the alleviation of environmental damage from fugitive dust.
Mitigating environmental damage “A recent success for BLTWorld, was the delivery last year, of four new Samson Eco Hoppers to Kenya’s Port of Mombasa, which are used for the discharge of dry bulk materials. This equipment, which has significantly improved efficiencies of dry bulk cargo
handling at the port, also mitigates environmental damage from fugitive dust,” Ken adds.
“These hoppers are designed to handle the characteristics and flow properties of bulk materials, including cement clinker, coal and gypsum. They also provide dust and spillage-free unloading through a dust control system, which minimises the escape of dust during the grab discharge cycle.
According to port authorities, the benefits of combining a receiving unit with a mobile shiploader offer a viable and economical alternative to fixed
conveyor installations, without compromising on performance or reliability.
Also on the menu The Stormajor boom feeder, which forms part of the
Samson range of bulk handling equipment for shipping, also offers high handling rates. This compact unit combines the benefits of the Samson material feeder, with a radial outloading and luffing boom conveyor, into a single integrated mobile machine, that is able to receive material from tipping trucks and loading shovels.
In port operations, BLTWorld’s terminal tractors are used to safely move heavy-weight trailered cargo to and from vessels and storage areas, to
speed up operations across docks and throughout container terminals.
Terminal tractors also reduce on-site congestion and minimise demurrage costs for trucks waiting to be loaded and unloaded.
The company’s Mobicon mobile container handling system lifts loads onto and off trucks and carries containers around sites at harbours. Containers
can be efficiently moved through warehouse doors, effectively taking the container to the stock or the stock to the receiving point. This capability also increases goods security and safety.
Versatility An important advantage of this system is that it utilises all parts of the yard and operates on pavements and in restrictive areas where a forklift or heavy equipment cannot go. This mobile container handler can turn in tight spaces and is also able to travel under awnings, inside buildings and up to docks.
Meclift heavy lifting variable reach trucks and side reach stackers machines are designed for swift, efficient and safe handling of heavy loads
at ports. Unlike conventional forklift trucks, these machines can drive into containers, or reach inside a container, for easy loading and unloading of goods and equipment.
Shiploaders
Samson shiploaders have minimal impact on existing port operations because they can be moved clear of the berth when they are not in use. These shiploaders have integrated specialised facilities to speed up vessel loading and trimming, which significantly reduces freight rates.
Mobile container handling system
The Mobicon mobile container handling system efficiently lifts loads onto and off trucks and carries containers around sites at harbours. Containers
can be efficiently moved through warehouse doors, effectively taking the container to the stock or the stock to the receiving point.
BLTWorld
Ken Mouritzen
Tel: (031) 274 8270
Email: ken@biglifttrucks.com
www.bltworld.com
