BULK TERMINALS AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 international
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BULK TERMINAL OPERATORS
Testing times ABTO calls for overhaul of liquifaction testing protocols Up for grabs How the right grab will impact on every stage of the production and port handling process Business is booming With a wave of investment, breakbulk terminal facilities are entering a new era
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Nemag_adv_Bulk_Terminals_A4_V2.indd 1 10-10-17 12:17 EDITOR’s letter 1 WELCOME BY SANDRA SPEARES
Bulk carrier safety has continued to be a major issue in recent months as the industry awaits the results of the inquiry into the ore carrier Stellar Daisy, which sank off the coast of Uruguay back in March
It is to be hoped that the inquiry into the dangers of cargo liquefaction – the needed and it is to be hoped that insurers, the South Korean-owned large ore carrier so-called “splash” and “can” tests – are very classification societies and the like might Stellar Daisy is completed in good time and rudimentary (see page 27). contribute to coming up with what may that the industry can learn from a tragedy Greenwich has come up with a be a very simple solution to a potentially so that it is not repeated in the future. potential test that is simple and easy devastating problem. The inquiry is bound to call into to accomplish. It is based on the air Carriage of bauxite cargoes has also question the use of converted VLCCs as voidage within the cargo sample and been on the agenda. A new warning that ore carriers on specific trades. A recent uses Archimedes Principle to measure bauxite may become unstable when online poll suggested that the majority of the air in the sample. To take the test carried in bulk on a ship, potentially respondents believed that using former forward to the next stage, funding will be causing the vessel to capsize, has been tanker tonnage for carrying bulk cargoes issued by the International Maritime should not be allowed and such ships Organization (IMO). should go to scrap. Cargoes Bauxite is one of the world’s major Ore trades continue to be attractive sources of aluminium, with around 100 as China’s appetite for bulk ore cargoes that may million tonnes transported annually by continues unabated and may also be sea. In 2015, a bulk carrier sank while encouraged by regulatory changes in the become transporting bauxite, with the loss of country. There have been a number of 18 seafarers. high-profile orders in Far Eastern yards for dangerous under Research presented to an IMO Sub- VLOCs in recent months aiming to cater Committee found that certain forms of for demand. certain conditions are bauxite with a large proportion of smaller Cargoes that may become dangerous particles could be subject to a newly- under certain conditions are not new, not new, but there identified phenomenon of “dynamic but there have been concerns that the separation” when there is excess moisture liquefaction incidents prevalent in the past have been concerns in the cargo. may be on the rise again. Bulk carrier safety and the Whether testing procedures in ports that the liquefaction reliability of storage facilities at ports, for moisture in cargoes are adequate not to mention testing facilities and has been a particular area of concern incidents prevalent capabilities, will be just some of the for ABTO and Mike Bradley, head of hard-hitting topics to be tackled at Greenwich University’s Wolfson Centre in the past may be ABTO’s forthcoming conference. for Bulk Solids Handling Technology and We hope you enjoy this latest edition an ABTO advisor, says current methods on the rise again of Bulk Terminals International and also our available to a ship’s master for identifying inaugural conference later this month.
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Published by BULK TERMINALS AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 Editor: Sandra Speares international [email protected] Designer: Justin Ives THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BULK TERMINAL OPERATORS [email protected] PROJECT DIRECTOR: Jonathon Ferris Testing times [email protected] ABTO calls for overhaul of liquifaction testing protocols PROJECT MANAGER: Alex Corboude [email protected] Up for grabs How the right grab will impact Sub-editor: Samantha Robinson on every stage of the production and port handling process [email protected] Publisher: Bill Robinson Business is booming With a wave of investment, breakbulk [email protected] terminal facilities are entering a new era ABTO 35 Beacon Drive Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 1GG
Chief Executive: Ian Adams [email protected] Events: Simon Gutteridge [email protected] PR: Patrik Wheater [email protected] The views expressed in Bulk Terminals International are not neces- sarily those of ABTO or the publisher unless expressly stated to be www.bulkterminals.org such. ABTO disclaims any responsibility for errors or omissions or their consequences or for advertisements contained in this maga- zine and has no legal responsibility to deal with them. www.bulkterminals.org WORLDWIDE NUMBER ONE IN ROPE-OPERATED GRABS
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VERN_15307_ADV_Markten_P5_185x275.indd 1 07-03-16 14:13 5 CONTENTS 1 editor’s letter 35 SOFTWARE AND AUTOMATION
Bulk carrier safety continues to be a The impact of software and automated major issue as the industry awaits the processes on the industry results of the Stellar Daisy inquiry 39 BREAKBULK AND BAGGING 6 Welcome Breakbulk terminals have seen a Ian Adams, Chief Executive, ABTO surge in investments in recent times 8 world news round-up 42 BULK SHIPBUILDING
There are predictions of a shake-up in AND REPAIR the marine insurance sector How the industry is recovering 16 VIEWPOINT from tough times »»p46 We talk to Beumer Group’s CEO 46 US GULF PORTS The effect of Hurricane Harvey on 19 GRABS AND CRANES industry along the US coast Having the right grab for the job will impact on every stage of the production 50 CHINESE PORTS AND and port handling process TERMINALS 25 WORLD GRAIN TRADES China’s plans to cancel iron ore mining rights comes as The founder and President of Karatzas good news to some Marine Advisors & Co takes a look at the highs and lows of the dry bulk market 54 GERMAN PORTS AND »»p25 »»p38 TERMINALS 27 ABTO COMMENT The German ports sector is Our call for a complete overhaul of holding up, despite tough cargo sampling and liquefaction market conditions testing protocols 58 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 28 COAL HANDLING SYSTEMS Abu Dhabi Ports have officially opened A look at the most up-to-date its new Fujairah Terminal operation bulk handling operations 61 ITALIAN EQUIPMENT 30 PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURERS All the latest developments in The latest high-profile contracts from marine paints and coatings Italian manufacturers and suppliers 32 CEMENT HANDLING 64 Events AND STORAGE Upcoming conferences and »»p30 How the cement manufacturing not-to-be-missed events for all industry is facing recent challenges those in the industry
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 6 welcome JOIN THE DEBATE IAN ADAMS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ABTO
Welcome to the latest edition of Bulk Terminals International. We hope that you are finding the magazine a useful and interesting read. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently held meetings of the sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC), 11-15 September 2017 and the Editorial and Technical Group of CCC (E&T 28) 18-22 September 2017. CCC remains the principal sub- committee of interest to ABTO considering, as it did, amendments to both the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. The E&T Group alternates between working on the IMSBC Code and the IMDG Code. On this occasion, the focus was on the IMDG Code, ensuring that the editorial corrections of amendment 38-16 were completed before they enter into force on 1 January 2018. It also considered the draft amendment 39-18, which will be finalised next year. During CCC 4, ABTO was primarily interested in the debate regarding Bauxite and Seed Cake, which have been placed under the responsibility of one working group (WG). Chaired by the irrepressible Dr Ota from Japan, this WG proved to be very effective at completing the tasks given to it by the sub-committee. This WG spends a considerable amount of time considering schedules for cargoes and in so doing must decide on the hazards presented by the various cargoes. There are three basic groups that all cargoes must be considered for:
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 welcome 7
»» Group A consists of cargoes that The work of the GBWG defined a new Dry Bulk world. We are already seeing may liquefy if shipped at a moisture term “Dynamic Separation”. This is where some improvements in the markets content in excess of their the moisture in the cargo separates form largely due to the large numbers of transportable moisture limit. the cargo and forms a free surface effect vessels that have been scrapped. »» Group B consists of cargoes that on top of the cargo. So, whilst the cargo However, we are also seeing an upturn possess a chemical hazard which has not liquefied in the purest sense of in the number of newbuilds being could give rise to a dangerous the word the effect is the same causing a ordered on the back of the improved situation on a ship. vessel to become unstable or “wobbly”. market conditions. It will be very »» Group C consists of cargoes which are At Bulk Terminals 2017, the Safety interesting to hear what our panel has neither liable to liquefy (Group A) nor and Environment Session will look in to say about their view of the future to possess chemical hazards (Group B). detail at issues of Liquefaction and conditions. Is the time now right for Dynamic Separation, how to manage increased investment or should Seed cake consists of the residues potentially difficult cargoes and how everyone still be a little more cautious? remaining after oil has been to identify them. Biomass is still something that we are mechanically expelled or extracted by Members can access all relevant IMO gaining knowledge and experience in. solvent or other chemical processes from papers in the Regulatory Updates The presentations at the conference oil-bearing seeds, grains, cereals, fruit or section of the members area on the cover various aspects of handling vegetables. They may be shipped in the ABTO website. biomass and include two case studies, form of pulp, meals, cake, pellets and In an article in this magazine, which are always a great way to learn. expellers. The risk that it presents is that Professor Mike Bradley talks about an Security and in particular Cyber the cargo may heat spontaneously. It is alternative test to the “Can Test” which Security is a subject that seems to be on thus liable to oxidise, causing can be used by ships masters to identify everyone’s lips these days, not least of all subsequent reduction of oxygen in the potentially dangerous cargoes. ABTO since the recent spate of attacks. If it is cargo space. Carbon dioxide may also be fully endorses the initiative and is firmly possible for these attacks to affect a produced. This is only a hazard when the of the mind that anything that can be company the size of AP Moller-Maersk material is shipped in bulk and so it is done to improve the safety of ships and then it is an issue that we all need to further classified as Material Hazardous seafarers must be fully explored. consider. Another distinguished panel of in Bulk that is Self-Heating MHB (SH). When you are reading this article, it speakers will be making presentations Bauxite has been subjected to a great will be about a week to go to Bulk during Bulk Terminals 2017. deal of attention ever since the loss of Terminals 2017. As well as the issue of Last, but certainly not least, the the Bulk Jupiter in January 2015. I am sure liquefaction mentioned above we have issues affecting operational efficiency many of you reading this will recall that sessions on the Markets, Biomass, will be explored. This session includes the Bulk Jupiter had loaded a cargo of Security and Operational Efficiency. an update on the progress made by Bauxite in Malaysia and was en route The markets are always an BIMCO with its terminal vetting scheme, to China when she developed stability interesting subject, particularly in the which was launched in 2014. problems and sank in just 20 minutes from the crew realising that there was a problem. During loading, it took a total of 13 days to load 46,400 tonnes of Bauxite. The delays were a combination of heavy rainfall (Malaysia East Coast had almost two metres of rainfall in just 22 days) and mechanical problems with the loading cranes. Although the loading was stopped during the rain and the hatches were closed, crucially the cargo on the dockside was uncovered. At CCC 4 the report of the Global Bauxite Working Group (GBWG) was received. This report was passed to the WG to consider when developing a new schedule for Bauxite. Previously it had been believed that Bauxite could not liquefy because it is insoluble in water.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 8 NEWS WORLD NEWS ROUND-UP
There are predictions of a shake-up in the marine insurance sector, plus a look at fully automated terminals, BIMCO’s guidance for seafarers on the safe launching of lifeboats and all the latest on high-tech performance monitoring tools
IUMI warning on insurance International Union of Marine Insurers President, Dieter Berg, mentioned an environment of disruption at latest IUMI conference. Disruption, according to Berg, is the raft of technology and business innovation that is destroying existing business models and which extends to every corner of the business world. It is exacerbated by the current macro- environment of a stagnant economy and increasing national protectionism that is continuing to affect premium income, he told IUMI members. Incoming innovation is already impacting activities such as electronic navigation and smart port logistics and is driving new initiatives including autonomous shipping and intelligent containers. Berg explains: “We need to inhale innovation. Digitalisation will change the way our clients operate and we, as marine insurers, must follow suit. In the future, insurance will be placed on electronic platforms as our next generation of clients will want 24/7
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 NEWS 9
access to insurance products and instant zero accident port is definitely a mission can be turned into production lines. responses. The insurance value-chain will possible”, suggesting that machines “That will never happen. This is shrink and the role of the broker will detect their surroundings and notice something that engineers can forget inevitably be impacted as well. Because things that human eyes and ears when they develop technological of this, it is likely that global premium might not, thus helping humans to solutions. The real world can’t be income will continue to reduce and this prevent accidents. completely standardised,” reminds Kho. means that we, as marine insurers, need “Automation enables both machines Kho says that safety benefits of to change our game and find additional and humans to concentrate on what automation are undisputed. To embrace streams of revenue”. they are good at. The human mind is the change, staff must be involved early According to Donald Harrell, superior in terms of planning, innovation to understand why the change is Chairman of IUMI’s Facts and Figures and perception,” says Kalmar Vice needed. Early planning, training and Committee: “Global premium income President Frank Kho, continuous open communication with continues to fall and this puts pressure employees, trade unions and other on our sector. Although, fortunately, we stakeholders is vital. And one must not are seeing only moderate major losses forget the managers and owners. currently, that situation can reverse at Automation will require a whole new any time. Exposure set of skills and change of mind-set in “Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are everyone working at a terminal. examples of this and their true impact is yet to be seen. Exposure to risk will only to risk Lifeboat safety increase as vessels grow larger and BIMCO has developed new guidance for values accumulate in port. A drop in will only increase seafarers on the safe launching and premium income makes it challenging recovery of lifeboats using fall preventer for underwriters to continue to cover devices, to reduce the number of their obligations, particularly in relation as vessels grow seafarer fatalities and injuries. to major losses.” Lifeboat accidents resulting in “Uncertainty exists throughout our larger and values fatalities and serious injuries are all too market. Although the global economy frequent, despite efforts in recent years appears to be improving, significant to reduce them. Most of the accidents concerns or situations could lead to a accumulate in port” happen in boats using conventional stall and that will directly impact marine davits and on-load release systems. insurance. Global trade might be However, recently other parts of the affected by Brexit as well as the current suspension and lifting systems have threat of a more competitive US trading been identified as points of failure policy created by punitive import taxes He believes even in a fully automated too, particularly the wire rope falls on and lighter regulation on manufacturing. terminal of the future, there will be more larger lifeboats. “These changes to global trade flows people around than “just that man and his The International Maritime and trade agreements will affect our dog.” Although large terminal areas can Organization (IMO) recommends the sector as they evolve. Continuing already function completely unmanned, use of FPDs because so many recent uncertainty is the only certainty for they still can never be entirely staffless, as lifeboat and rescue boat accidents have marine underwriters for the remainder of human intervention is crucial. resulted in fatalities and injuries to this year and beyond.” Humans will work side-by-side with seafarers. This constitutes an intelligent robots and other automated unacceptable risk and the use of FPDs is Automation interest equipment. But machines cannot be intended to be an interim measure to Autonomous ships and port technology programmed for unexpected events. reduce this risk while new, safe IMO have proved to be increasingly topical There might have been a bad storm at approved systems are developed. the issue has been appearing on many sea that has caused the cargo to shift However, this process will take some conference agendas. One driver is the or some containers to leak. There is years, and so FPDs are recommended need to reduce accident both at sea and always something that requires for the intervening time until approval in ports and automation is seen as a key specialised handling and lifting is secured. way of achieving this. equipment and often also special The new guidance has been Ahead of the rising automation storage facilities. produced in a handy illustrated that takes place within the shipping Kho notes that terminals can become pamphlet titled: ‘Avoid Lifeboat industry, Finnish port equipment staffless only if the shipping industry can Accidents’. It can be downloaded free manufacturer Kalmar stresses that “a standardise everything and terminals of charge from the BIMCO website.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 10 NEWS
Performance monitoring next generation of shipping thirty years ago, despite a doubling of Bureau Veritas and Singapore-based embraces digitalisation. the amount of oil transported by sea. Ascenz have signed a memorandum According to Clarkson Research, “We would instead encourage Canada to provide ship performance about 6,500 ships are to be ordered to continue its strong history of and monitoring solutions to globally for the next five years. environmental protection and support shipowners worldwide. Considering the global shipbuilding for responsible global trade through the The agreement will enable Bureau market share HHI takes up now, ISSS is to implementation of practical measures Veritas to offer Shipulse, Ascenz’s be installed on approximately 700 ships consistent with international best solution for real time ship performance for the comparable time period.” practice. This includes respecting the UN and monitoring. Shipulse captures Hyundai Heavy Industries announced International Maritime Organisation’s critical shipboard data to provide that it won 62 ships worth $3.8bn for role in developing safe and sustainable insights for better decision making, fuel January-May period this year, which is a shipping regulations and savings and optimized vessel 500% plus increase for the comparable recommendations that might address performance. The data captured covers period last year when it clinched 12 any concerns that Canada may have,” fuel consumption, bunkering activity, ships worth $1bn. said Mr Bennett. engine, hull and propeller performance. Bureau Veritas will market Shipulse Canadian Legislation Survival simulation across its network to offer The Canadian Parliament is giving Transas has introduced a new Survival complementary services and analysis consideration to legislation that would Craft Simulator (SCS) to prepare crew for tools based on ship modelling have the effect of establishing a mora- the multitude of possible scenarios that capabilities, data analysis across fleets, torium on the shipment of crude oil in can occur during lifeboat drills, aiming to and the ability to integrate BV software the waters of Northern British Columbia address one of the most notorious – such as weather routing and trim (Bill C-48: An Act respecting the regu- sources of accidents in shipping without optimisation – with Shipulse. lation of vessels that transport crude exposing personnel to physical danger. Shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries oil or persistent oil to or from ports or Effective survival craft training is has developed Integrated Smart Ship marine installations located along British essential to prepare crew for a disaster at Solution (ISSS), its proprietary ICT Columbia’s north coast). sea but practical lifeboat drills have a technology capable of realising The International Chamber of Shipping troubling track record for causing economical and reliable navigation (ICS), representing the world’s national fatalities. By shifting some elements of and management of ships. ISSS is shipowners’ associations and 80% of the training to a simulated environment, the the first of its kind in the global world merchant fleet, has voiced deep risks are minimised and the crew can shipbuilding industry. concern about this proposed legislation focus on the procedures that will The solution standardizes ways of which it says will interfere with increase safety when operating the real navigation varying depending on levels international maritime trade. lifeboat equipment in an emergency. of skills and experiences of navigators, “Such a draconian step could lead to IMO expert investigations have focused collects and analyses real-time serious concerns being raised by mainly on the complex quick-release information on navigations, and thus will Canada’s international trading partners,” hooks that typically suspend enclosed play a role in enhancing efficiency and said ICS Director of Policy and External lifeboats from their davits, which are safety of ships. The solution is expected Relations, Simon Bennett. designed to hold tons of mass securely for to cut annual operating cost by 6%. ICS asserts that the proposals have years at a time and then come free quickly As IMO will introduce e-Navigation, a not been developed through an when the lifeboat is lowered. The Maritime strategy to bring about increased safety evidence-based process, and believes Safety Committee expects new guidelines of navigation in commercial shipping that it would establish an unwelcome to enter into force on 1 January 2020, through better organization of data on precedent that might be emulated addressing longstanding issues including ships by 2019, the demand for smart elsewhere, including by individual U.S. the need for uniform and documented ships is expected to grow further. States, with the potential to impact standards for hook servicing. Lloyd’s Register’s Luis Benito, greatly on the efficiency of world trade, However, a failure to follow correct Innovation, Strategy and Research as well as that of Canada. procedures and lack of proper training Director, Marine and Offshore says: ICS says that the environmental have also been cited as contributory “HHI’s technology seeks to align record of the shipping industry, factors in incidents. The Transas with delivering the key benefits we especially the tanker sector, is impressive. Survival Craft Simulator allows such believe the maritime industry will On average, worldwide, there are training to be conducted either at a most benefit from through the currently fewer than two significant oil training centre or on-board in a benign adoption of connected, digital and spills (over 700 tonnes) per year, environment, allowing trainees to learn autonomous technologies as the compared to 25 such incidents per year essential procedures, such as the
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 preparation of survival craft, its launch and boarding, but without the risk. At the heart of the new simulator is a highly detailed virtual model of a totally enclosed davit- launched, self-righting lifeboat. It is supported by a functional model to simulate the hook-release gear, wire lashings and gripes, and for boat securing on to a davit. Instruction on using the release handle, a safety pin, and hydrostatic interlock level can be delivered either virtually or with a physical device connected to the simulator. Magnesium production Enova has granted a funding commitment of NOK 19.5 million to NorMag AS, for use in construction of a pilot facility for energy and climate-efficient production of magnesium and silica at Herøya. The facility will produce the world’s first CO2-free magnesium. “The ambition of this project is to create the world’s most efficient and environmentally friendly magnesium production at Herøya,” says Sverre Gotaas, Managing Director of Herøya Industripark AS. “Our goal is to build the world’s only CO2-free production facility for magnesium, using the infrastructure in the old magnesium factory as a foundation, and pioneering new climate technology as SOME THINK method,” says Gotaas. The production technology is expected to result in up A MARGIN to 95% lower CO2 emissions and 60% lower energy consumption in magnesium production, as compared OF ERROR IS with the current dominant production methods, mainly located in China. The corresponding figures for silica production are 20% lower CO emissions and 35% lower ACCEPTABLE. 2 energy consumption as compared with existing production methods. WE THINK “While magnesium is becoming very important on the road towards a low emission society, we face a DIFFERENT. major challenge due to the fact that current production takes place with significant emissions. The pilot at The BEUMER fi llpac® R is a fi lling system with a Herøya could mark the beginning of a solution to this di erence. Using revolutionary microprocessor-based challenge,” Nakstad emphasises. weighing electronics with vertical fi lling impellers and Before work on the pilot plant starts, a process is the bag discharge system including a check weigher, now being implemented to secure financing for the it delivers entirely new standards of precision and next phase of the project, estimated at NOK3.4bn. The performance: automatic optimisation; 300-6,000 bags total cost of the pilot facility is around NOK 80m. per hour; individual bag tracking and latest PMS Sverre Gotaas says that agreements have been generation; we know what it takes to streamline your signed with both local and international investors. He end-of-line productivity. takes an optimistic view of the opportunity to secure For next generation packaging solutions that make a financing for the next phase, so the pilot can start di erence, visit www.beumergroup.com operations with support from Enova, among others. The project will be carried out under the direction of Herøya Industripark AS, through the company MagSil, while the company NorMag will be responsible for building and running the facility.
BEU_FILLPAC_BulkTerminalsInt_86x270_EN.inddBULK TERMINALS international 1 |AUTUMN/WINTER26.06.17 2017 15:24 12 NEWS
Proper packing Safety improvements throughout the international supply chain can be made through the proper packing, handling and transport of cargo transport units (CTUs), including containers, according to the four bodies making up the industry coalition, and which are responsible for a broad cross-section of the global CTU freight industry. Speaking at a special session of ICHCA International’s 65th anniversary conference in Las Palmas, Spain a spokesperson from each coalition member – Global Shippers’ Forum, ICHCA International, TT Club and World Shipping Council – highlighted the varied challenges the industry faces in achieving such improvements.
Terminal operators and stevedores play a relatively minor role in packing containers Safety award but nevertheless TT CLub innovation in Safety Award “It is estimated that this is the root play an important announced this year’s winner at at cause of a major shipboard fire, ICHCA’s Conference in Las Palmas. It on average every 60 days. All role in identfying was won by Ken Rohlmann who heads shipping lines have attempted dangerously Hapag Lloyd’s Cargo Patrol Team. to mitigate the problem but packed units The Award, now in its second year, Hapag-Lloyd has long been at is aimed at identifying innovative the forefront, creating in 2011 developments that engender greater what has become the ‘Cargo “Terminal operators and stevedores safety and efficiency in the intermodal Patrol’ search engine.” in many locations play a relatively minor supply chain. “Indeed, the value of Cargo Patrol role in packing containers and other Following the inauguration of the has grown year on year and now CTUs. They nevertheless play an award last year, TT Club and ICHCA identifies in the order of 1,250 important role in identifying received some 22 high-quality potential undeclared or misdeclared eccentrically loaded, overweight, entries this year, each revealing bookings each day. bulging and otherwise dangerously exciting and proven improvements During 2016, the total of 264,000 packed units, and in taking appropriate to supply chain practices. alerts resulted in 4,200 positive ‘hits’ steps to address any safety concerns,” In introducing the award, – many of these bookings were said Captain Richard Brough international freight insurer TT Club’s subsequently cancelled by the line.“ representing the hosts, ICHCA Risk Management Director Peregrine “As this often results in the International. Storrs-Fox commented: “One of the ‘problem’ cargo moving on to “In terms of disseminating this more serious issues that continues to another line, Hapag-Lloyd has taken message, we are particularly pleased blight the entire shipping industry is the decision to pass its software to today to be able to address such a non-compliance in relation to the IBM for further development and in significant group from CARC, the transport of restricted commodities order to make the solution Canarias/Africa Chapter of ICHCA, who and dangerous goods. accessible to all shipping lines.” are meeting with us this week.”
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 13 JOIN ABTO TODAY
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BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 14 A GENTLE APPROACH TO BAGGING COMPANY NEWS
The new BEUMER fillpac R filling machine fills bulk material from the building materials industry and other industrial pulverized goods into bags in an efficient and gentle way and with the required throughput. It can fill very fine to very coarse materials into different bag formats and types, such as valve bottom bags and flat valve bags and is now complemented with a bag placer and a ream magazine.
This means that performance and efficiency can be further increased. Due to its modular design, the BEUMER fillpac R can be easily integrated and adjusted with existing packaging lines.
The BEUMER fillpac R is equipped with a weighing unit that communicates permanently with the filler neck via a The three-position cylinder that The generously dimensioned filling specific software. The automatic bag regulates the coarse and fine flow impeller reduces fill times, thus weight adjustment determines the exact is protected from dust, because it is increasing throughput. The BEUMER filling weight of the bags, thus enabling positioned vertically and outside of system is also equipped with an the exact degrees of filling during the the dirty area. The cylinder for bag ergonomic control terminal. filling process. discharging is also located in the dust- free zone above the filling spout. This The improved human-machine The user can design his packaging solution minimises wear and tear on interface concept makes work simple lines more efficiently as it is no both cylinders and, therefore, ensures and intuitive. Furthermore, BEUMER longer necessary to remove under longer service life. has designed the system in a way that or overweight bags from the line. In individual customer requirements or addition, the quantity indicated on Almost all built-in components of the special wishes can be implemented the bag always corresponds to the real BEUMER fillpac R are freely available flexibly and cost-effectively. volume. commercially. This reduces delivery times for spare parts and lowers capital The BEUMER fillpac R is designed for costs for the user. Also, the system is capacities ranging from 300 to 6,000 designed so that it is easily accessible for bags per hour and can fill various bag maintenance. types. If equipped with a special bag placer, it can even fill HDPE bags.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 15 INNOVATIVE THINKING COMPANY NEWS
Gans Cargo Operations is a Rotterdam headquartered shipping and forwarding company, specialized in international supply chain logistics. Our pro-active and innovative thinking allow us to respond adequately to new developments. We listen carefully and understand our customers needs, offering a wide range of tailor made solutions. We can utilize owned and long term leased (bulk) storage facilities at strategic locations worldwide and transport In Egypt we have 50.000m2 long At our ‘home’ base in the port of your cargo to any destination. term rented open pit storage area Rotterdam, we are strongly involved in connected via river to the port of the construction of a new 125.000 m3 Gans Cargo Operations appreciates to Alexandria. We purchased 4 bulk grabs covered warehouse suitable to store be the eyes and ears on the spot on of 13cbm each, enabling ourselves all kind of dry bulk products. Same is behalf of our customers. Our people take to rent same against a competitive expected operational in Q3-2018 and the extra mile to help solving problems rate to the geared, but not grab-fitted will certainly boost our business model and to discover solutions interactively. vessels of our customers for loading/ in covered storage. Our dedicated service is available 24/7. discharging their dry bulk cargoes in Should any problem arise, we will be any Egyptian sea port. We are acting as Interested? Please visit us at : there to assist our customer on the spot. vessel agents for approx. 10 vessels per www.ganscargo.com for all services and month in various Egyptian seaports. contact details. We strongly believe in building bridges between all parties involved, Our Sharaf Gans Logistics Services in order to ensure that both vessel operations covers more than 150 and cargo is handled in a smooth and ports in the Middle East, Africa and the reliable manner. Indian subcontinent and is moving in a continuous upward flow, already Being operational for 2,5 years now, handling 15-20 vessels per month in the we can say our Gans Egypt Logistics various seaports under our coverage. Services is rapidly growing after acquiring a number of multiple year Within this joint venture, we are projects related to cargo monitoring, developing a bulk warehouse warehousing of bulk as well as packed distribution hub in UAE, which can serve minerals and operating our own as a strategic stock position to serve bagging plant in the industrial area the broader region with just in time around Borg-el-Arab. deliveries either by truck or by waterway.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 16 Viewpoint RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
Beumer Group has a worldwide reach and is looking to develop its complex handling systems further. We talk to Andreas Echelmeyer, Director Conveying & Loading Systems
Filling the complex needs of the mining “Beumer is now also offering complex colleagues from all our local companies and raw materials industry, not to system solutions in the raw materials on board in all regions. mention ports have been a challenge, industry, a sector in which business “ ‘Qualified’ means that we understand so what does Dr Echelmeyer think of was traditionally limited to sales of the customers and their needs, so we developments going forward? single machines. Our goal is to become develop the perfect solutions together “Since August 2015, I have been the internationally known as a reliable with our team. This means that we need head of the new Center of Competence partner in the area of plant engineering to stay curious and open-minded for this (CoC) for Conveying & Loading Systems as well. We have inquiries from Germany, type of teamwork. (CL Systems). Under the leadership and increasingly from Africa, South What are the latest developments at of the CoC, we would like to globally America and the US too, and a freshly the Center of Competence for conveying develop and implement complex system awarded contract in the Far East. We and loading systems? solutions for various industries, such have built an international team for “We are rooted in material handling, as the mining industry, raw materials Conveying & Loading Systems that works which is specifically about the efficient industry and port handling. Beumer is together on specific projects. movement of bulk materials. As I said, well-known for providing innovative In order to ensure a high standard we are able to offer complete systems to intralogistics solutions. internationally, we get qualified our customers, including our traditional
DR. ANDREAS ECHELMEYER, BEUMER SUPPLIED A TROUGHED BELT CONVEYOR WITH HORIZONTAL DIRECTOR CONVEYING & LOADING CURVES AND A LENGTH OF 35 KILOMETERS FOR THE THAI CEMENT SYSTEMS, BEUMER GROUP PRODUCER TPI POLENE PUBLIC COMPANY
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 Viewpoint 17
BEUMER SUCCESSFULLY ROUTED THE CONVEYOR ALONG A VERY NARROW STRETCH OF LAND IN VIETNAM FOR THE CEMENT PRODUCER CONG THANH
products like long-distance troughed “We have markets in a wide range of three dimensions, the system can be belt conveyors or pipe conveyors. We industries and regions: we are running optimally adapted to its route of can also offer state-of-the-art machines projects from South America (power approximately 2,000m. like stackers, reclaimers or shiploaders. industry) to the Far East (fertilizer “Due to the system design and the In addition to that – and I would call this handling). This shows Beumer’s flexibility required system capacity, we designed a tremendous development – we are in and ability to answer the different the pipe conveyor with a diameter of 250 the process of offering our customers not requirements of its customers.” mm and to load vessels with a capacity only the traditional services related to As far as efficient loading on to ships of 300 tons per hour. On account the design, construction and commissioning, of environmentally unfriendly materials difficult terrain with its abruptness, the but also operation of the plant. With our are concerned, does he have comments installation was supported by a helicopter. customer support team, in fact, we are on port handling? The complete system is characterised by able to offer residential service, including “In general, the handling of material its adaptability. Since this system went into the complete management of the plant. that can be considered environmentally operation, the user has been able to safely The market where Beumer with its unfriendly is one of the most challenging load ash in a urban environment without conveying and loading systems team issues for port operators. Historically the any issues related to dust and noise.” operates is very wide, with different two key aspects to keep under control There are, of course ecological specific requirements. It extends from are dust and water contamination due considerations and challenges. “In the traditional cement, minerals and mining to spillages during transport and future, raw materials will be mined at to fertilizers. Beumer is able to fulfill the loading. Beumer with its portfolio greater and greater distances from ports. requirements of these different markets has the capabilities to fully meet This means that materials handling will with a complete solution portfolio. The these challenges. become an increasingly important issue. portfolio covers the entire logistics chain, “A Belgium-based energy corporation Companies must either make greater including troughed belt conveyors, relies on one of our pipe conveyors and investments in the extraction and long-distance overland conveyors (OLC), shiploaders. Beumer was called on to transport of raw materials, or put up with pipe conveyors, loading and handling design a system able to remove and losses in quality. solutions with high capacity and transport combustion ash from the “However, it is important to transport efficiency, shiploaders, and stacker and storage area to the terminal and then bulk materials quickly and efficiently reclaimer machines. load it efficiently into ships. The noise to plants for processing. Trucks can do The conveying & loading system and dust requirements are very strict due the job, but on difficult terrain they can structure allows a local approach to the surrounding urban environment. quickly come up against their limits satisfy different geographical needs. With its ability to navigate curves in because they need good roads. The
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 18 Viewpoint
costs for building, maintaining and the prices of commodities. What else has turnkey project to a Turkish cement perhaps extending a road system can changed? Energy-efficient processes are corporation for storing, mixing and be significant. Moreover, any such work leading to more sustainability from the feeding four different alternative fuels has a serious impact on the natural environmental and economic points of to both ends of two kilns. The scope of environment. In addition, truck traffic view. For instance, in the mining industry supply was engineering, procurement, always creates considerable pollution, the “full electric” approach adopted by fabrication, transportation, installation noise and dust. The other approach is to some major operators is inducing all and commissioning of a fully automatic use an overland conveyor. We develop the other operators to move from using storage hall including a bin, two feeding curved overland conveyers that ensure trucks to an electric and fully integrated lines with pipe conveyors and all the efficient and environmentally friendly logistic system. Beumer fits here perfectly.” feeding accessories. The benefit for the transport even through impassable Regulations in force both nationally client was extremely fast execution of terrain. There is relatively little impact on and internationally have to be considered. the project, which allowed it to have a nature, and no dust is generated at all. “The matter of local legislation is clearly fully operative system within one year of “Nowadays ecological aspects during one of the topics we keep in mind when the contract signature. the execution of a project are a key factor designing our systems. The conveying “Sometimes missing rules and to bear in mind. Beumar is able to supply and loading system team is organised regulations could even be a hindrance, complete bulk material handling systems with the Centre of Competence based since the legal basis for investments is that meet these requirements.” in Europe. With its strong local presence not assured. One example could be clear- So how does he see the current market Beumer is able to fully understand cut permission to use alternative fuels for environment and the effect on investment local legislations and regulations. The cement production and a clear indication of low raw materials and commodities point of contact with the customer based on local rules that such fuels will be prices? “The prices for raw materials like is always through the local Beumer available in a specific region with a certain iron ore or copper have been extremely Group Company, where we speak the quality over a longer period of time. In some low for some years now. Now the trend language, and know both the market countries the specific requirements for is changing: in 2016 the price of copper and customer-specific requirements. And technological solutions are also driven by increased by 22% and iron ore more than local legislation needs to be professionally the principles of best available technology. doubled in price. We believe the coming implemented on a global level. These rules promote the development of years are promising and we expect an “Local regulations can even be an high technology. The company does a lot of increasing level of investment, starting opportunity: the possibility of using this at airports, so ports are a good target for from this year, and steady increases for alternative fuel in the cement industry further development.” another two or three years until the of some countries is one example. He concludes: “We always address market stabilizes. Based on these premises Thanks to our experts in the Centre the individual requirements of users. the mining sector will be very promising, of Competence we are able to offer Our constant goal is to use our know- followed by other raw material sectors reliable solutions in this field. For how, systems and machines to make our that will be influenced by increases in example, last year Beumer supplied a customers’ operations more efficient.”
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 GRABS and cranes 19 UP FOR GRABS
Having the right grab for the job will impact on every stage of the production and port handling process, as this will be a driver not only of health and safety issues, but also speed of loading and unloading and productivity in general
Changing Environment Nemag wanted to accelerate this Handling relatively new kinds of cargo engineering process by substituting the like biomass, for example, presents a slow learning-by-experience method number of challenges to operators and a with virtual rapid prototyping. The different approach to take into account company therefore launched a ground- the differing products. These may require breaking research and development specific handling including storage and project in 2009. The goal was to create a climate control to prevent reactions with validated software design tool capable moisture content for example. of predicting the combined behaviour of As specialist manufacturer Nemag grab and bulk material. points out, the dry bulk terminal operator In close collaboration with Delft environment is changing quickly. “This University of Technology and the TATA calls for innovative solutions to address Steel Plant in IJmuiden (NL), Nemag these new market challenges, including initiated a PhD research project and enhanced safety, increased productivity, developed special simulation software reduced maintenance costs and reduced to analyse and visualise the interaction labour costs, to name just a few. between the grab and bulk material. “The strong drive for innovation is an This resulted in the Virtual Prototyping important, if not the most important, Software System, which provides pillar of Nemag’s success. One of the valuable insight into the behaviour of innovation goals set in 2009 was to grabs in material in a virtual environment develop the most optimal grab by and also helps to optimise the lifespan of means of virtual prototyping. Developing wear-induced parts in the grab. new grab types and making significant All available data, experience and design changes has traditionally been a knowledge was combined and this slow, expensive and high-risk process. It resulted in the development of a is a complicated process and predicting revolutionary new and unique grab the performance of a new grab design is for iron ore: the nemaX®. This new difficult. This traditionally led to step-by- generation of grabs combines the step development based on empirically lowest deadweight and the highest acquired results known as the play-it- payloads with the shortest closing safe approach.” time. The result is a 10% productivity
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 20 GRABS and cranes
increase, lower maintenance costs and companies in over 60 countries,” the Many years of experience from the considerable time savings during the company says. operation of the CBG series have been trimming phase. Nemag will introduce The key to the company’s success put into the development of this brand the nemaX® this month. lies in its innovative capacity and its new crane model. Nemag, a family business founded development of new products for the The CBG 360 has a maximum capacity 93 years ago, provides a full range of dry bulk industry. This, in turn, has led of 60 tonnes in hook operation and grabs and various types of quick-release to several innovations, such as the 48 tonnes in grab operation. Boom links and rope pear sockets. These are invention of the scissor grab type, lengths between 26 and 36m are used for handling of coal and iron ore, specialized rubber-lined lip sealing possible and the outreach of the crane loading and unloading wheat, silage, systems for handling powdered cargo, can be extended by up to 12m through scrap materials, minerals, biomass or the patented Nemag quick-release link an additional platform. other bulk goods . The aim is always and the Nemag rope pear socket, and As in all cranes of the CBG series, to reduce handling costs per tonne the introduction of a new generation of the most important hydraulic and of dry bulk materials transferred for environmentally-friendly clamshell grabs. mechanical parts are positioned in a steel plants, power stations, OEMs and For the latter, Nemag was awarded dustproof machine house making the commercial terminal operators. the IBJ Innovation Award in 2014 CBG 360 particularly resistant against In addition to customised grab by the International Bulk Journal. So diverse weather conditions. solutions, Nemag also successfully far, Nemag is the only grab CBG 360’s winches are designed for introduced a fully standardised series manufacturer to receive an award continuous operation to ensure constant of clamshell grabs for mobile harbour in this challenging category. and reliable performance with a full load. cranes, such as Liebherr and KONE- Other benefits include: Operational Gottwald cranes. “The very competitive Liebherr developments optimisation for rope capacity; standardised solutions with short Liebherr’s ship crane department has compliance with CE regulations; lead times and extremely productive extended its range of CBG cranes with the operation on the open sea and properties are used by the biggest CBG 360, a robust four-rope grab crane sheltered waters; and better access and most successful bulk handling designed for high-speed bulk handling. and easy maintenance.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 GRABS and cranes 21
Guven Grab handling of every type of bulk cargo, the Guven’s Radio Remote Control Grab company says. is proving very popular with the Bulk carrier owners have been HS 8300 HD HYBRID new generation of bulk carriers, the choosing this type of grab because CRAWLER CRANE company says, in preference to electro it is more efficient, uses fewer spare hydraulic grabs as they avoid use of the parts, and offers benefits in terms of cable drum system and grab stabiliser performance, speed, and basic structure, on the crane jib, without any additional Guven says. electric supply and consumption of fuel More than 5,000 units have been by generators. manufactured between 2004 and It operates with a battery and a 2016 and almost all of them have been remote control unit, without any motor, exported. About 1,000 vessels have pump, electricity supply, cable drum Guven grabs on board and this type or stabiliser and can be attached on of grab constitutes 75% of the total to the hook of any kind of crane and production capacity of the company. controlled through remote control unit It is produced in sizes ranging from up a distance of 100m. It can be used for 2m3 up to 50m3. Piombino work Liebherr’s hybrid duty cycle crawler crane with 300 t capacity has been in operation GUVEN’S RADIO REMOTE in the Italian port of Piombino in recent CONTROL GRAB months. The aim of the project is to remove deposited sediment from the mouth of the port and also to increase the depth of the water. For this purpose the hybrid duty cycle crawler crane is equipped with a hydraulic clamshell grab with a filling capacity of 22m³. With its impressive capacity of 300t, the HS 8300 HD from Liebherr is one of the largest duty cycle crawler cranes worldwide. Work at the port not only involves the removal of the sediment. The depth of the water will also be increased to 14m in order to allow for larger vessels to run into the port. The work in Piombino is being carried out in a six-month project by the Italian dredging specialist Zeta. On the one hand, the challenge lies in achieving high levels of turnover and, on the other hand, in removing not only sediment but also larger stones, Liebherr says. For this reason Zeta opted for a hydraulic clamshell grab from the Italian manufacturer Rossi with a filling capacity of 22m³. Zeta has installed the HS 8300 HD without crawlers on its new dredger Maria Vittoria Z, on which a total of 3,000 t material can be loaded. Thanks to the large volume of the grab and also the short working cycles of only 45 seconds, the Liebherr duty cycle crawler crane handles 2,000 t of material per hour meaning it requires less than two hours to fully load the dredger.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 22 NEW MARKET CHALLENGES COMPANY NEWS
Innovation, customer support and a very intensive after-sales service are of paramount importance to both Nemag and its customers. A global network of specialized representatives supported by Nemag specialists are ready to assist you
Innovation The dry bulk terminal operator environment is changing quickly. This calls for innovative solutions to address these new market challenges, including enhanced safety, increased productivity, reduced maintenance costs and reduced labour costs, to name just a few.
The strong drive for innovation is an important, if not the most important, pillar of Nemag’s success. One of the innovation goals set in 2009 was to develop the most optimal grab by means of virtual prototyping. Developing new grab types and making significant design changes has traditionally been a slow, expensive and high-risk process. It is a complicated process and predicting the performance of a new grab design is difficult. This traditionally led to step-by- step development based on empirically acquired results known as the play-it- safe approach. Virtual rapid prototyping Nemag wanted to accelerate this engineering process by substituting the slow learning-by-experience method with virtual rapid prototyping. The company therefore launched a ground- breaking research and development project in 2009. The goal was to create a validated software design tool capable of predicting the combined behaviour of grab and bulk material.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 23
In close collaboration with Delft A revolutionary About Nemag University of Technology and the TATA new grab mechanism Nemag, a family business founded 93 Steel Plant in IJmuiden (NL), Nemag All available data, experience and years ago, is the preferred partner for the initiated a PhD research project and knowledge was combined and this handling of dry bulk materials and has developed special simulation software resulted in the development of a a strong reputation around the world. to analyse and visualize the interaction revolutionary new and unique grab Nemag provides a full range of grabs between the grab and bulk material. for iron ore: the nemaX®. This new and various types of quick-release links generation of grabs combines the lowest and rope pear sockets. This resulted in the Virtual Prototyping deadweight and the highest payloads Software System, which provides with the shortest closing time. Whether it is the handling of coal and valuable insight into the behaviour of iron ore, loading and unloading wheat, grabs in material in a virtual environment The result is a 10% productivity silage, scrap materials, minerals, biomass and also helps to optimise the lifespan of increase, lower maintenance costs and or other bulk goods, Nemag has a wear-induced parts in the grab. considerable time savings during the sufficient and reliable solution. trimming phase. Nemag will introduce the nemaX® in October 2017. The aim is always to reduce handling costs per tonne of dry bulk materials Interested? Please visit transferred for steel plants, power stations, www.nemag.com/nemax OEMs and commercial terminal operators.
In addition to customized grab solutions, Nemag also successfully introduced a fully standardized series of clamshell grabs for mobile harbour cranes such as Liebherr and KONE-Gottwald cranes. The very competitive standardized solutions with short lead times and extremely productive properties are used by the biggest and most successful bulk handling companies in over 60 countries.
The key to the company’s success lies in its innovative capacity and its development of new products for the dry bulk industry. This, in turn, has led to several innovations, such as the invention of the scissor grab type, specialized rubber-lined lip sealing systems for handling powdered cargo, the patented Nemag quick-release link and the Nemag rope pear socket, and the introduction of a new generation of environmentally-friendly clamshell grabs.
For the latter, Nemag was awarded the IBJ Innovation Award in 2014 by the International Bulk Journal. So far, Nemag is the only grab manufacturer to receive an award in this challenging category.
Interested? Please visit www.nemag.com
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 24 MACHINE, REPAIR & SERVICES COMPANY NEWS
Established in 1977, MRS Greifer Each grab is manufactured under GmbH is a leading engineering the industry’s strict quality controls, company providing design, according to the QAP approved by manufacture, supply and after our experts. We are only too aware sales services for grab buckets up that delays in shipping can result in to 30 m³ capacity. Our commitment exorbitant costs so we keep a full stock to continuous research and of spare parts, and our committed after- development ensures our grabs are sales service team is available to see to world leaders in terms of technology, all our customers’ needs in the quickest quality and performance. possible time.
With five decades of experience in With grabs to handle bulk, logs, scrap, the design, manufacture, research and underwater dredging and more, please development of grabs, plus an extensive don’t hesitate to contact us to talk after-sales service backed by our team of through your needs. highly skilled engineers, MRS Grabs has clients from every corner of the world.
We design grabs to fully meet the needs of our clients and the parameters within MRS Greifer GmbH which they work, producing equipment Talweg 15 - 17 capable of unloading all kinds of bulk 74921 Helmstadt cargo. Our machines include the latest www.mrs-greifer.de features and are of optimal weight, [email protected] ensuring an exemplary performance for Phone: +49 7263 9129-15 a longer period of time. When it comes Fax: +49 7263 9129-12 to hydraulics and other outsourced parts, we only use trusted brands so the highest quality is ensured.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 world grain trades 25 DRY SEASON BY BASIL M KARATZAS
The Founder and President of Karatzas Marine Advisors & Co takes a look at the highs and lows of the dry bulk market
The dry bulk market has made an market and that there are still many impressive recovery since early 2016 highly priced “legacy” vessels out there, when it established all time lows. The the present rally resembles more a sigh over-encompassing Baltic Dry Index of relief that the worst is over than cause (BDI) has quadrupled in the past 18 for popping champagne bottles. months, which by itself is an impressive Looking forward, there are many performance. There is an overall points of concern for the dry bulk improvement for all sizes and trades of market, both for the supply side dry bulk vessels, which is encouraging. (tonnage overcapacity, shipbuilding However, the greatest beneficiary of overcapacity, low interest rates, etc) and the market improvement has been the also the demand side and the need capesize market for the iron ore trade for dry bulk vessel transport. There are with destination to China. The Chinese demand projections based on economic economy, despite its high levels of debt and GDP growth, which overall look and rumours of severe slow down, has positive for the industry, but there are been utilising raw materials and especially also a few worrying trends. iron ore on the back of a stronger Besides the tendency for more dry economy and re-stocking, helped by a bulk cargo increasingly getting moved in relative weakness of the US dollar. a containerised fashion, the “big gorilla Still, dry bulk freight rates are barely in the room” is the coal trade. Despite high enough, even today, to profitably the Trump Administration’s affection cover the operating and financing and recent policies in favour of coal, the costs of modern bulkers. So bad the writing is on the wall that coal trade is market had been in 2016 that even a waning market on a long trajectory. a quadrupling of the market barely Coal is heavy in emissions and scrubbing touches a profitable territory. Given technology is just too expensive to that many banks and shipowners have make it clean enough. On the other sustained severe losses in the dry bulk hand, natural gas is cheap, plentiful
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 26 world grain trades
and cleaner, which one has to take there is higher demand for grains, some all-time high grain stockpiles, there have note of the tremendous investments in to substitute rice in the diet, and given been shortages of types of grains from alternative energy and the precipitous Asia’s – and China’s young populations, time to time and uncertainty about the decline in the solar energy production this trend is expected to be favourable trade, such as decline in production this cost. Trying to extrapolate from present over the long term. year of high quality Hard Red Spring trends, the coal trade will be having a Some projections hold that grain Wheat (HRS) in the US. For a commodity very hard time in a decade. consumption in Asia during the next and trade where there is weather Depending on the asset class in the decade is expected to show a strong element uncertainty, potential increased dry bulk market, coal is a very substantial performance, in the likelihood of 5-10% volatility is a bonus-added feature that commodity; critical for Newcastlemax annual growth over the next decade. cannot be ignored. After all, shipowners vessels (almost 100% of the market), Again, given that most grains to Asia and love volatility. very important for the capesize market China are transported from the western While some analysts find it utopic (30-40% of the market), and important for world, panamax and supramax dry bulk that grains will see a strong enough the panamax and supramax (20-35% of vessels are expected to benefit most growth to substitute the whole coal the market) vessels. The logical question from an increased grain trade in the trade in the dry bulk market, one has then is that if a type of cargo is dying, future. To some analysts, the increased to note the favourable underlying for the dry bulk market to do well in the demand for grains for these types of trends. There will be many – and more future, there has to be an alternate trade vessels will be strong and big enough fundamental factors – to influence the or commodity to fill those empty ships. to fully substitute for the declining coal dry bulk market in the next decade, but The magic commodity where much trade, and thus the bullish call to invest the grains trade seems to be a solid, hope has been placed upon is the grain in ships of these asset classes. macro-trend favouring the market. trade, and hopefully, it will be a strong A recent favourable – and little enough trade to compensate for the expected – development that will huge wake to be left in the absence benefit the grains trade is that with of coal. Grain trade has been showing China: for the first time and under encouraging growth during the past pressure from the deficit-gap conscious few years, several macro-trends seem Trump Administration, China has promising for the future from a demand agreed to start importing rice from the perspective, while the supply side shows US. It’s still too early for one to make promising and favourable to shipping. educated projections about this trade, Grains are mostly transported in especially since the details of the recent bulk and to a lesser extent in bags, and announcement are short of details, mostly on panamax and supramax dry but the main point is that a brand-new bulk vessels. Only a limited portion of market for the grain trade has been the trade is on capesize vessels and that created, and hopefully this market mostly heading to Japan for cargo in will absorb a few vessels as well, likely large parcels. Thus, looking forward, an panamax and supramax vessels for the active grains market is mostly expected transport of rice in bags. to be beneficial to such medium On the supply side of the grain and smaller sized vessels. There are trade, one has to consider that in the shipowners who focus their investments last few years, based on confluence of and strategy in the panamax and favourable weather and improvements supramax vessels and those vessels with in yield in the production of crops, designs with large cubic capacity and there have been “bumper crops” in features optimal for the grain trade. North and South America, in Europe, Macro-economic trends are favouring Russia and Ukraine, the traditional main the grain trade as Asia, where the diet producers worldwide. Having plentiful is dependent on rice for fibre and commodities to ship and all-time carbohydrates, has been growing stockpiles, the supply side is favourable toward grains, wheat and bread. This is for the trade and shipping. a cultural and social shift that take time However, production of grains, as an Basil M Karatzas is the Founder and to be eye-popping, but the fact is that agricultural product, is highly dependent President of Karatzas Marine Advisors & Asia – and the rest of the world, have not only on the absence of catastrophic Co, a ship brokerage and shipping finance been consuming more grains; as the events, but also on constant favourable advisory firm based in Manhattan, New economic level and the disposal income weather conditions throughout the York. For more information, visit: of middle-class people in Asia increases, growth and harvest season. Despite the www.karatzas.com
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 ABTO comment 27 MAKING A SPLASH
In a move backed by ABTO, advisory board member Professor Mike Bradley has called for a complete overhaul of cargo sampling and liquefaction testing protocols for raw ores
Professor Mike Bradley, a member of the stage. The efficacy of existing testing research work in the development advisory panel to the Association of Bulk and sampling protocols does need to of a more effective, accurate cargo Terminal Operators (ABTO) and head of be addressed, especially when assessing liquefaction test kit for shipboard use. Greenwich University’s Wolfson Centre terminal stock piles where obtaining a “Current tests used in cargo labs for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, says decent sample is difficult. require far too much specialist skill and the current measures in place to test “The current IMO protocol for setting expensive equipment to be used by the cargoes for potential liquefaction are Transportable Moisture Limits and crew aboard ship. The proposed test inadequate, especially for raw ores and certifying actual Cargo Moisture Content is is based on a practical approach that variable materials being loaded in ports robust for some cargo flows, but sadly falls can be done using low-cost equipment where conditions are inclement. down too often for others, as evidenced that can be replicated easily. It doesn’t Current methods available to a ship’s by the number of lives still being lost at sea replace the current system of TML and master for identifying the dangers of due to cargo liquefaction. MC certification, but provides the ship’s cargo liquefaction – the so-called “splash” “Ultimately the master has to take master with an opportunity to make and “can” tests – are very rudimentary, responsibility for whether a cargo his own check, in any case where there says Bradley. “The ‘can test’ consists of is loaded or not, and he is under is some doubt over change in the nothing more than a ‘baked beans tin’ commercial pressure not to reject it condition of the cargo, the quality of filled with a sample of the cargo, which – so in cases where he has suspicions sampling, the veracity of the certification, is then vigorously tapped on the table. If he really needs a better, more reliable or the effect of bad weather on moisture a liquid film forms on the sample surface, shipboard test he can use to protect during loading. the cargo is deemed dangerous and both his employer’s business and the “We have been talking to a number must be rejected; if not, it may be either lives of his crew.” of parties, including ABTO members, P&I safe or dangerous!” Although the International Maritime Clubs and classification societies to take His research group has investigated Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code the initiative forward. We have proven cases where masters have used the includes provisions for sampling, Bradley the basic concept, which seems to work, “can test” to accept and reject portions says it is “inordinately difficult” to get a so we are now looking to the industry to of cargo, resulting in later liquefaction representative sample of the cargo from support the development.” in heavy weather. The splash test, a stockpile and, in many cases, severe Ian Adams, ABTO Chief Executive, meanwhile, simply checks to see if the rain will have occurred since the sample adds: “Anything that can be done to cargo “splashes” when dropped from a was taken for moisture certification. improve the safety of vessels carrying grab into the hold – “not easy to see in What’s more, some master mariners dry bulk cargo that may liquefy has the dead of night with dark coloured have expressed concern that the current got to be thoroughly investigated. We cargo in a badly lit hold!” Bradley says. tests do not work with some cargoes. believe that this issue is one of the “Such rudimentary testing is There have also been cases in which biggest challenges facing our industry. inadequate. We have seen that moisture content certificates are alleged We therefore welcome anyone who is dangerous cargoes can pass these tests, to have been falsified. interested in progressing this research to with moisture content exceeding the Bradley says that the Wolfson Centre contact us so that progress can be made allowable limits, liquefying at a later has completed some preliminary on developing this test.”
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 28 coal handling systems HANDLE WITH CARE
Bulk handling operations cover a multitude of different commodities with their own specific characteristics and challenges, including alumina, biomass, coal, cement, fertiliser, grain and sulphur
Siwertell ship related to coal/biomass (Asia and infrastructure. This means that cement Siwertell ship unloaders and loaders Europe/UK), grain and cement.” is nowadays manufactured closer to are based on unique screw conveyor So how have the company’s activities the market. Additionally the downturn technology, in combination with been affected by the long downturn in the building industry has somewhat belt conveyors and aeroslides, and and how it is progressing as the market reduced the demand from earlier levels. provide a totally enclosed dry bulk begins to look up? The grain market continues to grow handling operation. “Since most of our business is due to the increased world population. So what kind of projects does related to projects involved in the Due to this also the fertiliser market will Siwertell get involved with in the dry power industry, many of our projects grow as a consequence.” cargo sector? have been decided long time ago and The use of mechanised systems in According to Managing Director Per are related to long-term investments ports is developing. “Especially in the Karlsson: “Siwertell is working with all (the life time for a power station is unloading market,” says Karlsson. “We can types of bulk materials on the world exceeding 30 years) and therefore see that the environmental requirements market. Our product portfolio covers this market segment has not been continue to increase, that is enclosed unloaders, loaders belt conveyor affected so far. The cement market has systems have a bigger potential than the system and bulk terminals. The been affected by the changes in the grab unloaders. The Siwertell unloader capacity for our unloaders range from 200 tonnes per hour (tph) up to 3,000 tph; for loaders the range is from 400 tph up to 12,000 tph (iron ore). Our clients are from all types of ports and power stations.” The major bulk materials are iron ore and coal. Together, they cover about 70% of the world bulk market. Grains are the third biggest bulk material on the market. For coal/biomass and cement segments, Siwertell has the leading position on the market. “Later on this year, we will start marketing our new Port Mobile Unloader SIWERTELL IS WORKING WITH ALL TYPES OF for grain with the capacity up to 600 BULK MATERIALS ON THE WORLD MARKET tph for 60 000 dwt vessel. For the time being we are mostly involved in projects
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 coal handling systems 29
is one of the best on the market since it the Tanjung Bin Energy (TBE) Power Plant supporting several projects, including has a complete enclosed system from in Johor, Malaysia. the construction of the two x 1000MW the pick-up point in the hold of the Peter Ho, International Business Jimah East Coal-Fired Power Plant vessel to the transfer of the material to Director from HSL Constructor (Project 3B).” the jetty conveyor. With our system, all comments: “BMT has a strong presence spillage and dust can be avoided.” in Malaysia and is well respected for Pakistan developments Another important point is the its technical capabilities and expertise Pakistan’s first dry bulk terminal opened demand for increased efficiency of the having worked on several other local earlier this year and is expected to unloading/loading technology. By using projects and as such, was a natural handle three million tonnes a year of more efficient technology, the time a partner for this project. We are confident coal imports, rising to 20 million tonnes vessel spends in a port can be reduced, that the team will help us to deliver a over the next five years, according to the leading to significant savings. robust design that aligns with the needs port’s chief executive. “Due to the design of the Siwertell of the end customer.” The $285m Muhammad Bin Qasim unloader with a moving vertical arm The TBE Power Plant, also known as Port, which was built with support from (+/- 30°), a moving horizontal arm T4, is a super-critical coal-fired power the World Bank, will also be used to (-20°) and a unique inlet device that plant developed by Tanjung Bin Energy export cement and clinker, Sharique is counter rotating to the vertical Sdn Bhd, a part of Malakoff Corporation Siddiqui, Chief Executive for Pakistan screw, the Siwertell unloader is one of Bhd, providing the most efficient coal International Bulk Terminal, says. the most efficient unloaders on the combustion technology currently on the Pakistan’s first state-of-the-art world market. This, together with its market. Located adjacent to Malakoff’s mechanised, coal, clinker and cement totally enclosed unloading system and existing 2,100MW coal-fired Tanjung Bin bulk cargo terminal at Port Qasim very long lifetime of wear components, Power Plant, T4 commenced operations has handled the first coal cargo vessel are the major reasons why we are the in March 2016. of 41,000 tons to call at the terminal. market leader.” BMT will work closely with the African Finfoot transported the So are there specific market sectors consortium to deliver detailed coal cargo, which belonged to and geographical areas being targeted? engineering design and risk Awan Trading. “Siwertell has a very strong market management solutions, and be PIBTL is a public listed company position in Asia related to the power responsible for the necessary quoted on Pakistan Stock Exchange industry. We are now working to professional endorsements required and is sponsored by the Marine Group improve our position also in the Middle- for approval by the associated local of Companies and also partly financed East as well as on the US market.” authorities. BMT’s team of experts will by the International Finance As far as the environment is also provide construction support and Corporation , the private sector arm of concerned, Karlsson says Siwertell upon completion, will liaise with the the World Bank Group. The company equipment is some of the most local authorities to secure the Certificate has invested around US$285m in the environmentally friendly equipment on of Completion and Compliance (CCC), establishment of the county’s first and the market due to its totally enclosed which will, in turn, allow the owner to only common user coal, cement and system as well as due to the high operate the facility. clinker handling terminal at Port Qasim. efficiency it offers for example, reduced “Being a brownfield site, this project PIBTL, under a 30-year BOT time for the vessels in the port. will require us to overcome a number agreement with Port Qasim Authority, “We have an ongoing development of complex interfacing challenges. has built its own jetty and is equipped initiative to improve our products both A strong partnership with the with two coal ship unloading cranes related to the environment, efficiency Consortium is critical – leveraging and one cement/clinker loading crane. and reduced operational costs.” our strong history of working in this PIBT is capable of handling 12 million area, we will collaborate with the tons of cargo per annum and has a boost for BMT partners to develop a design that fully storage yard spread on 62 acres. BMT Asia Pacific (BMT), a subsidiary supports a construction methodology A fully operational PIBTL will bring of BMT Group, has been awarded a that in no way impacts on current effectiveness and efficiencies for the contract by a Consortium led by HSL operations at the plant,” comments port sector as well as for the trade Constructor Sdn Bhd, and including BMT’s Director of Maritime Engineering, and industry to match Pakistan’s port Tecgates Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd and Sridhar Krishnan. throughputs with the international Gema Antara Sdn Bhd. Sridhar says: “We have contributed to standards of excellence. BMT will provide detailed the urban and industrial development PIBTL will not only be easing off engineering design and risk of Malaysia for over 30 years, in the existing port congestions at KPT management consultancy services for particular its ports, energy and and PQA but also be mitigating the a new coal unloading jetty and transport sectors. This project win environmental and efficiency concerns, associated bulk handling system at follows on from our most recent work the authority says.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 30 paints and coatings TOP COATINGS
Development of marine paints and coatings has been key not only to fulfilling environmental requirements, but also for improving efficiency of operations and, most importantly, the safety of the ship and its crew
New products aiming to provide a step forward in this area continue to arrive on the market and new co-operation deals continue to be struck. For example, the inventor of the antifouling ingredient Selektope, I-Tech AB, has responded to strong market demand in Japan by enhancing its local supply chain arrangements, after signing an agreement with well-known chemicals trading company Nagase & Co. To date, hundreds of Japanese vessels have been coated with antifoulings containing Selektope, but demand continues to grow strongly, the company says. Under the new agreement, I-Tech will continue to manage sales of Selektope in Japan while Nagase will exclusively handle imports. “Establishing this business relationship reflects the need to address increasing demand for our product in Japan and we are honored to be working with such a highly reputed company in Nagase,” says Philip Chaabane, CEO of I-Tech. The organic, non-metal compound Selektope is characterised by high efficacy at extremely low concentrations (approx.0.1% w/w), ultra-low leaching and flexibility and can boost the performance of copper- based paint formulations or replace copper completely. Due to the low concentration required, Selektope does PHILIP CHAABANE, CEO OF I-TECH not compromise the chemical structure, colour or other co-operative biocides of a marine coating.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 paints and coatings 31
Epoxy coating “In trials, our customers have been AKZo Nobel Meanwhile, coatings manufacturer impressed with the product’s ease AkzoNobel, meanwhile, has extended Hempel is introducing its new versatile of application, reduced over-coating its popular Interstores marine coatings high-build epoxy intermediate coating time, smooth appearance of the product range. to help deliver longer service life for dry surface, and the levelling of the Shipowners and operators can industrial assets. Hempaprime Multi intermediate surface over a range of now enjoy a new level of flexibility 500, which is launching globally, dry film thicknesses.” and expand the options available for gives faster drying times and shorter cost-effective onboard maintenance minimum overcoat intervals for the following the launch of a new multi- oil & gas, infrastructure and power purpose one pack primer from generation sector. AkzoNobel’s marine coatings business – Specifically designed to be fast drying The the supplier of International coatings. to optimise productivity by shortening versatility Interstores Alkyd Primer is the latest the man hours needed for application, addition to the Interstores range and is Hempaprime Multi 500 enables three and compatible with most AkzoNobel marine coats to be applied in 20% less time coatings topcoat options. Specifically than current products, the company adaptability of created with the needs of crew in mind, says, without compromising on quality, Hempaprime Multi it is specially formulated for brush and strength, finish or the high-volume solids roller application and is suitable for all of the product. 500 supports projects substrates above the waterline. The coating can be used as a direct to for the infrastructure, Commenting on the new product, metal or on primed surfaces, as primer, Oscar Wezenbeek, Managing Director at intermediate or topcoat application and oil and gas, and power AkzoNobel’s Marine Coatings business, is also ideal for minor repairs offering generation sector says: “Delivering globally accessible and customers simplicity with a single easy-to-use onboard primers and top coating solution. This high-performance during production, coats is essential for productive onboard solution assures a long service life for maintenance, especially in an industry heavy industrial applications, helping to and provides top where seafarers face increasing time and minimise maintenance requirements. quality performance cost pressures. The company says that Hempaprime “With the addition of Interstores Alkyd Multi 500, with its fast drying time, to new-build assets Primer, the Interstores range is now fully faster hardness development and throughout their equipped to meet the full spectrum of improved cracking resistance, means onboard maintenance requirements. it is possible to move the coated steel service life Combined with carefully selected global or even build upon it faster, with a port availability, we can effectively reduced risk of damaging the support ship operators to pick up the coating. This decreases the need products in the most cost-effective for reblasting and recoating, saving Key features of Hempaprime Multi locations with minimal lead time.” time and money. 500 include: Compatible with all existing coatings Monica Li Aviram, Segment Group »» Faster drying for increased systems and formulated for ease of Product Manager, Infrastructure, at productivity (up to 20% reduction application, the Interstores range has Hempel says: “At Hempel, we understand in production time) – allowing been sold to more than 3,000 vessels our customers’ need for a fast-drying, pplication of up to three coats in a since launch. intermediate coating to increase single shift The range consists of Interstores productivity and shorten the man hours »» Easy application with no thinning Alkyd (top coat), Interstores Polyurethane needed for application. The versatility and required – optimised for easy spray, (top coat), Interstores Epoxy Primer, and adaptability of Hempaprime Multi 500 brush and roller application now Interstores Alkyd Primer, affording supports projects for the infrastructure, »» High volume solids (up to 85%) users a complete suite of options. A vital oil and gas, and power generation and reduced VOCs – kinder for the part of effective onboard maintenance sector during production, and provides environment and decreases workers is ensuring that products are available top quality performance to new build exposure when and where they are needed. assets throughout their service life. By »» Improved crack and wrinkle resistance Interstores is part of AkzoNobel’s not requiring thinning in optimum even at high dry film thickness (DFT) streamlined “port and product offer”, conditions, Hempaprime can be easily »» Certified, meeting ISO 12944 C5-I which ensures Interstores is available in applied by spray, brush or roller, offering High and pre-qualified to NORSOK’s the world’s major ports, with minimal further efficiencies to asset owners. M-501, Ed. 6, system 1. lead time.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 32 cement handling and storage SOLID WORTH
All the latest developments in the cement manufacturing industry
Given the fact that the manufacture of has relied on alternative fuels for the Hansen. Finally, the Danish company cement is particularly energy intensive, incineration process in the calciner for opted for a single-source solution for an economical and sustainable several years. of Beumer Group based on the pipe operation, Aalborg Portland therefore “In 2014 we decided to optimise conveyor technology. relies on alternative fuels and raw and enlarge the existing system,” says In order to support producers of materials, in its Denmark lead plant, to Ole Strøm Hansen, project manager cement in the alternative fuels and raw ignite the calciner and the main burner. of Aalborg Portland. Until then the materials field Beumer has set up a Aalborg’s operations have been manufacturer transported the fuels to complete business segment dedicated supported by Beumer with its AFR both calciners through long pneumatic to AFR systems. With this capability, systems segment (alternative fuels and conveying lines. However, the producer the system provider is able to supply raw materials) and develops individual did not have an initially positive and install the whole chain from the single-source solutions in order to experience, as pneumatic conveying lines acceptance and unloading of the delivery efficiently convey, store and feed the are extremely maintenance-intensive and vehicle, up to the storing, conveying and differently composed materials. The also susceptible to breakdown. feeding process of the solid alternative core of these systems is represented by “In addition, we intended to increase fuels for the specific user. pipe conveyors. The enclosed conveying the capacity of the existing conveying “Due to the different grain sizes systems ensure an environmentally safe, line to 20 tons per hour per calcinator,” and the various compositions of these dust-free and low-energy transport of explains Hansen. With the new concept, alternative fuels, it was necessary to fuels and raw materials. the Residue Derived Fuel (RDF) is develop an individual system solution Aalborg Portland is a subsidiary of transported for the calciner and the Solid for each line,” explains Beumer project the Italian cement group Cementir. Recovered Fuel (SRF) to the main burner. manager Tomas Hrala. To enable the This group of companies is one of the The solution is to transport the alternative transport of the pre-processed fuels from largest and leading manufacturers and fuels from the storehouse to the rotary the storehouse to the calciner and to exporters of this material world-wide. In kiln area as well as the gravimetric feed the main burner, Beumer supplied and addition to the main plant in Aalborg, of both the calciner and the main burner. installed respectively one pipe conveyor Denmark, it has further production The decision was made to reduce the as the heart of these systems as well as plants in China, Egypt, Malaysia, Italy, length of the pneumatic conveying line the accompanying equipments. “This Turkey and the United States of America and to replace the remaining line by a conveying technology is not only eco- as well as numerous sales offices. mechanical transport system, but the friendly and requires low maintenance”, The production of cement has always manufacturer also wanted to install a says Hrala. “Its enclosed type of been one of the most energy-intensive completely new conveying line for the construction protects the environment operations. In order to avoid expensive main burner feeding, with a capacity of safely from material falling down and primary fuels such as carbon, gas and up to ten tons per hour. emissions. Another advantage is the lack oil, and to produce in more economic “We evaluated different variants of of dust development on the running and sustainable way, Aalborg Portland mechanical transport systems,” says line.” Due to its ability to navigate
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 cement handling and storage 33
curves, considerably less transfer towers moving floor in the storehouse to As the UK seeks to reduce its carbon are required compared to other belt the Pipe Conveyor is carried out by a footprint, coal fired power stations are conveyors, allowing for a substantial screw conveyor. The feeding system in either being shut down or switching to cost savings to the customer. BEUMER the main burner building includes an biomass fuel. The challenges facing the Group can customise each system to the intermediate hopper with a volume of UK steel industry have resulted in the individual routing. ten cubic metres, also with activator and closing of some factories and a sharp The delivery of the oven-ready double discharge screw conveyor and a reduction in output from others. These material is carried out in moving- weigh belt feeder. In addition, there is a two factors have resulted in shortages in floor trailers. The alternative fuels are pneumatic conveying line with blower the supply of alternative binders to the unloaded and stored at the receiving and rotary vane feeder. concrete industry, increasing costs and station. Both lines receive the material/ lowering performance. items transported by the moving floors export increase Andrew Martin – Group Land & modernised by Beumer from the existing Low carbon cement manufacturer Property Director of Peel Ports storehouse. All transport systems supplied Ecocem Ireland, has increased its export comments: “We are delighted to be and the accompanying equipments are capacity with the official opening of their working with the Ecocem team to intertwined to ensure steady fuel feeding. second bulk import terminal, capitalising enable and support its entry into the The pipe conveyor of the calciner has a on the potential to supply the London / UK market. We have been able to diameter of 350mm, a length of 135m south east construction market. provide a multi-site solution that and can transport up to 50 tons per This is Ecocem Ireland’s second Bulk will accelerate the delivery of product hour to an intermediate hopper with a Import facility in the UK and is located as close as possible to the areas volume of 35 cubic metres. This hopper in Sheerness in the Port of Medway. of consumption. is equipped with an activator and two Ecocem Ireland are a subsidiary of Irish The demand for low carbon materials double discharge screw conveyors, and company Ecocem Materials, Europe’s in Europe has never been stronger, distributes the material in two feeding largest independent manufacturer of reinforced by the historic international and pneumatic conveying lines to both high performance, low carbon cement. agreements at the recent COP 21. calciners. The two new pneumatic Ecocem Ireland opened its first bulk Ecocem’s ability to deliver a reduction conveying lines to the calciner with import facility in Runcorn in early 2016. of over 70% in the carbon footprint rotary vane feeders and blowers were The import terminal required an of concrete, the world’s most popular completely dimensioned and supplied investment of £2.5m which will see the building material, means the future is by Beumer. firm being able to supply the market bright for the Irish firm. “However, during the constructive with 250,000 tonnes of the low carbon dimensioning of this system we were cement alternative per annum. This is Cutting imports faced with a particular challenge,” part of the overall Ecocem Materials Irish operation Quinn Cement is Hrala explains. The buildings in which Strategy to develop export markets from aiming to further decrease its imported the calciners are placed include an its existing facilities in Ireland, Holland fossil fuel consumption through additional part called penthouse. It and France. replacement with alternative fuels, the supports, among others, the discharge Micheál McKittrick, Managing Director company says. station of the Pipe Conveyor, the of Ecocem Ireland, commented in a Quinn has adopted the use of intermediate hopper with the two company blog: “Our second investment alternative fuels from local residual waste double discharge screw conveyors and into the UK in a state of the art import materials to co-fuel cement production also both weigh belt feeders with the facility demonstrates to the market as part of their drive to make a significant pneumatic conveying system. “From a the need for the low carbon cement contribution to more sustainable static viewpoint, the penthouse had to alternative and the growing demand manufacturing processes. be calculated trying to not exceed the from the UK construction industry. The introduction of Solid Recovered available load application in the existing We have already engaged in long Fuel (SRF) into the manufacturing building. At the same time, the subjacent term agreements with major concrete process has already commenced, requested throughway for plant vehicles manufacturers in the UK and will with the potential for the company had to be ensured.” continue to build momentum in to reduce its use of coal by up to 50% The heart of the line for the main the coming months.” annually. The result is one tonne of CO2 burner is a pipe conveyor with a Ecocem’s cement aims to minimise saved for every tonne of SRF used to diameter of 200mm and a length of the environmental impact of concrete, replace fossil fuels. 201m. It achieves a conveying capacity whilst maximising its technical This successful transition to SRF of twelve tons per hour and is equipped performance. This technology is used co-fuelling of cement production has with a spillage scraper conveyor for widely in Ireland and the UK in projects led Quinn Cement to seek permission minimising the cleaning, as well as a such as the AVIVA Stadium in Dublin and to further extend its Alternative dedusting filter. The fuel feed of the the Shard in London. Fuels licence.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 34 cement handling and storage
WÄRTSILÄ 34DF ENGINE will be spent on changes to the quarry including a new crane and wharf. The quarry at the site will be used to process construction waste from the Greater Paris area. Italian venture HeidelbergCement has announced that its Italian subsidiary Italcementi has entered into an agreement with Cementir Holding to buy Cementir Italia, including the fully controlled subsidiaries Cementir Sacci and Betontir. The acquisition includes all of Cementir Italia’s cement and concrete business. The transaction has an enterprise value of €315m. Closing of the transaction, which is subject to final approval by the In addition, Quinn Cement produces annum. To meet the growing demand Italian Antitrust Authority, is expected in eco-efficient CEM II cements. These for cement in Pakistan, the company early 2018. cements allow for the substitution is further expanding its production “Cementir Italia provides an ideal of clinker in the final cement product facilities, with a new line of 2.11 million industrial and geographic fit that with locally sourced raw materials. tons, and for this additional power significantly improves our nationwide This is a further reduction of CO2 supply is required. The existing plant is presence in Italy,” explains Dr Bernd emissions associated with the also powered by Wärtsilä equipment, Scheifele, Chairman of the Managing product manufacture. consisting of four Wärtsilä 32 engines. Board of HeidelbergCement. “For The company has a policy to “We need to enlarge our facilities Italcementi, the acquisition is a unique move towards zero fossil fuel cement and this we must to do quickly on a opportunity to grow and consolidate manufacturing where practicable over tight schedule. Wärtsilä has supported its position in the Italian market. We see the next few years. With the capacity to this timetable by agreeing to deliver strong recovery potential in Southern produce 1.4 million tonnes of cement their generating sets on a very short Europe and especially in Italy over the per year, this move, along with the time table and this, together with the coming years. With this acquisition we manufacture of eco-efficient cements, positive experience we have had with are very well positioned to create value will make a significant contribution to the Wärtsilä engines already installed, is through synergies, efficient processes, sustainability, it says. why we had no hesitation in choosing and the offer of high-quality and Wärtsilä,” says Mr Azam Faruque, CEO of innovative products. The acquisition is pakistan expansion Cherat Cement. part of our strategy of disciplined growth The technology group Wärtsilä is to The engines are scheduled for delivery and increasing shareholder returns.” supply the generating equipment to in March 2018 and the plant is expected Cementir Italia’s business includes provide the electrical power for an to be fully operational by June 2018. In five integrated cement plants and two extension to a major Pakistani cement addition to the need for quick delivery, cement grinding centres with a total manufacturing facility. Cherat Cement the customer’s prime requirements were capacity of 5.5 million tonnes per year, has contracted Wärtsilä to supply to have efficient, multi-fuel engines. The as well as the network of terminals three Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines Wärtsilä 34DF engine utilises advanced and concrete plants, all operating in capable of operating on both natural technology to deliver high efficiency and Italy. Italcementi will fully integrate the gas and heavy fuel oil (HFO). The total is capable of operating on either natural operations into its current network, electrical output will be approximately gas or conventional liquid fuels. With this thereby expanding its position in the 29 MW. Wärtsilä will also provide recently signed contract, Wärtsilä now has Italian market. Minimum annual run-rate advisors to oversee the installation and an installed base of 2.1 GW in Pakistan. cost synergies of €25m are expected to commissioning of the engines. The order be achieved by 2020. The acquisition will was booked in August 2017. lafarge upgrade be financed with free cash flow. Cherat Cement, located in the Lafarge France plans to spend €14.5m The net investments for 2017 and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in the towards upgrading its Havre-Saint- 2018 will remain unchanged. To offset north-west of Pakistan, is a leading Vigor cement plant. €8m will be spent the acquisition, HeidelbergCement cement producer with a manufacturing on upgrading the plant’s mill and intends to dispose of non-core assets capacity of some 2.45 million tons per modernising its dock. The remainder within its broader portfolio review.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 software and automation 35 PRECISION ENGINEERING
Use of software and automated processes are playing an increasing role in bulk cargo transport and port services. We take a look at some of the new products available aimed at increased precision in a business where time is money. Improving safety through the use of drones and other technology is also on the agenda
Precision is the keyword with a new powered conveyor belt tracker from Martin Engineering, which delivers immediate and continuous precision adjustment of hard-to-track reversing conveyors, helping operators reduce spillage and extend the life of belts and other system components. Able to effectively centre the belt regardless of the travel direction, the robust unit has demonstrated greater durability and longer service life than previous designs, translating to a reduced cost of ownership, the company says. Versatile enough to run on 110V / 220V power or a plant’s existing compressed air, the Martin Tracker Reversing can even be specified with the company’s unique Roll Gen System, which uses the kinetic energy of the moving belt to produce a supply of electricity sufficient to power sensors, scales, lights and other devices when no power is readily available. “Most reversing belt trackers use a paddle wheel or roller of some kind to move the actuator,” explains Martin Engineering Product Development
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 36 software and automation
Engineer Andrew Timmerman. “Like enclosed spaces will not only reduce and will assist with border control anything mechanical, the more moving the time to carry out scheduled activities, search & rescue operations and parts there are, the more opportunity for survey work, but will improve visual monitoring of pollution, as well as the something to wear out. In comparison, records, while minimising risk, bringing detection of illegal fishing and drug and this unit reduces the number of parts in substantial benefits to owners, insurers people trafficking. a rugged design, using either an air or and classification societies. A typical surveillance task involves the electric actuator to reverse the working David Knukkel, CEO of RIMS BV deployment of a drone from the deck direction.” Engineered for reliability commented on the approval: “To receive of a ship to a specified area of interest. and longevity, the unit gives conveyor approval from Bureau Veritas is a real The drone then collects requested operators a new option for powering the breakthrough for us in the shipping surveillance information before sending it, tracker, allowing them to best suit their industry. To be acknowledged by one in addition to payload data, to the users. individual circumstances. of the largest established and respected The chosen EMSA contract drones “We wanted to offer both types of class societies shows that we are on the are of compact design, making them actuator to meet the needs of virtually right track to deliver safe and approved extremely manoeuvrable in addition any location,” Timmerman says. “The drone surveys for the marine industry.” to having the ability to start and land sensors communicate the pulley vertically from both shore and vessels. direction, sending a signal either to an RPAS contract Focusing on short range operations, electrical relay or a pneumatic solenoid Martek Marine (Martek) has been the drones will be equipped with the to extend or retract the cylinder as awarded a ground-breaking two-year latest sensors designed for maritime needed, depending on which version Remotely Piloted Aircraft Services (RPAS) surveillance. To operate effectively in is specified.” contract from the European Maritime the harsh maritime environment, the For locations where no electricity or Safety Agency (EMSA). The services technology has been developed to plant air is available, Martin Engineering offered will fulfil part of the world’s withstand storm force wind and heavy has designed the Roll Generator to serve largest ever maritime drone contract. rain, snow and salt spray. as a self-contained mini power station. In Part of a five-year EMSA strategy Paul Luen, Martek Group, CEO those cases, the tracker uses an electric of improving coastguard monitoring says: “This contract sets us up for actuator to move the rolls and correct and surveillance of maritime activity major expansion as the maritime the belt’s position. The electric actuator valued at €67m, the service provision drone experts. More world firsts will is also used when 110/220V power is from Martek not only includes the RPAS, be delivered by us in this exciting available from the plant. The Martin commonly known as drones, but also technology field during 2017, as we Tracker Reversing is available in Lower the pilots, long-range antennae, mission launch further disruptive drone services.” Units for installation on the return side of control vehicles and ground crew. Video Martek’s continued contractual the belt and Upper Units for use on the and drone sensor data will be streamed success follows the company being conveyor’s carrying side. live to a control centre, to allow EU awarded a previous €10M contract Member States to make prompt by EMSA for ship engine emission flying high decisions on intervention actions. monitoring using RPAS in November RIMS BV (Robotics In Maintenance RPAS will be used to perform beyond 2016. Martek’s sister company COPTRZ Strategies) is the first company to receive visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations provided consultancy on both contracts. an attestation from Bureau Veritas (BV) Marine & Offshore, as an approved service supplier, allowing the use of Remote Inspection Techniques (drones) MARTEK TEAM PLAYERS during surveys of hull structure of ships and mobile offshore units classed with BV. RIMS is a global provider of high- tech, safe, autonomous and sustainable surveying and maintenance solutions. They supply and provide services which aid with the replacement of old and expensive, slower, high-risk and resource intensive maintenance activities, with new smarter drone and robotic technologies. It is anticipated that the use of drones to carry out inspections of
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staying In touch WISETECH GLOBAL HAS ANNOUNCED THE Keeping up to date with technology PURCHASE OF US-BASED CARGOSPHERE is essential to adapt to the market of bulk materials handling equipment. It was through the thinking of improving machinery to make people’s lives easier that Guttridge launched equipment with touch screen panels. Customers can now order these panels as an extra feature which they can customise accordingly to their individual business needs. Where before there were physical buttons used to control machines like the Easyflo (free standing mobile screw elevator) now a touch screen panel can be used to set the machine functions necessary to complete the job. The advantage of optimising the machines with computers is, if in one or two years’ time customers feel that your computer needs an upgrade, Guttridge will provide new updates and features to ensure machinery is running smoothly with minimal downtime.
WiseTech purchase “Both solutions will enhance ocean rates platform for the shipping WiseTech Global has announced the existing rate management capabilities industry, and working with WiseTech purchase of US-based CargoSphere, a within CargoWise One, increasing over the last year we realised that we leading provider of global ocean freight efficiency, accuracy and workflow for can both do more and deliver more rate management solutions. our customers worldwide, while our value to our customers together. We will Headquartered in North Carolina, innovation strength and development benefit from the global strength and CargoSphere’s advanced rate capacity will further accelerate multi- powerful innovation capability of management platform ensures modal rate management developments. WiseTech and we remain committed frictionless rate distribution and efficient This will ultimately create a pathway to integrating with ocean carriers and access to confidential ocean freight to the deeper automation necessary with our customers, and to delivering rates. CargoSphere provides its rate to substantially increase productivity on our vision for fully automated digital management solutions to more than for freight forwarders grappling with rate distribution.” 100 customers including Kuehne + exponential increases in volumes and Cargoguide and CargoSphere Nagel, Dachser, NNR Global Logistics, margin pressure.” will continue to deliver its solutions M+R Spedag, Livingston International Cargoguide will remain under the independently, direct to their and many other leading global freight leadership of managing director, Jorre respective worldwide customers forwarders and logistics providers. Cobelens, who says: “Joining forces and now, also to the 7,000 logistics WiseTech Global CEO, Richard White, with a global leader like WiseTech providers across 125 countries who says: “At WiseTech, we are focused on enhances our ability to revolutionise utilise WiseTech’s integrated supply improving productivity, quality, speed, rate, margin and capacity management chain execution solutions. visibility and manageability in the for the freight forwarding industry. WiseTech’s global integrated logistics industry and we are delighted With the combined strength of our platform, CargoWise One, enables Cargoguide and CargoSphere are organisations, we will expand further logistics service providers to execute joining the WiseTech family. Combining globally and accelerate our delivery and highly complex transactions in areas their powerful air and ocean freight development of high productivity rate such as freight forwarding, customs rate management solutions with the management solutions.” clearance, warehousing, shipping, strengths of the WiseTech Global group CargoSphere will continue to be led land transport and cross-border and our leading integrated global by Managing Director, Neil Barni, who compliance and to manage their execution platform, CargoWise One, says: “We have dedicated over 15 years operations on one database across will be a step forward for the freight pursuing our product vision and goal of multiple users, functions, countries, forwarding industry. becoming the leading neutral global languages and currencies.
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Compliance monitoring effective ballast water monitoring “We have developed a unique Aqua-tools, the specialist in water solution on the market.” method for extracting the ATP from microbiology, has delivered the first in According to Bonamin, existing the cell walls of all marine organisms, series of 30 state-of-the-art Rapid ATP bioluminescence methodologies used including those with hard shells, in a Ballast Water Monitoring Systems to to monitor Adenosine Tri-phosphates process that takes just five minutes. Our SGS Group. (ATP), a molecular structure, like DNA, method analyses each fraction: >50µm The Geneva-based testing and that is found in all living organisms, “are (most often zooplankton), 10-50µm certification body has agreements in ineffective in high salinity waters and (most often phytoplankton) and bacteria, place with several countries to inspect while an accepted method for testing which other ballast water monitoring and monitor the treated ballast waters of surface waters, these rudimentary systems struggle to achieve. vessels entering their ports, the latest of solutions do not provide a reliable tool “While much focus has been given which is The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. with which to test the efficacy of ballast to the ballast water treatment system, Vessels discharging ballast water in water treatment systems”. there has been little discussion about Saudi Aramco ports have been required Marc Raymond, Managing Director, enforcement,” says Bonamin. “Existing to present a ballast water report and Aqua-tools, says: “Our test protocol is ballast water testing methods could sample since 16 August 2017. based on the bioluminescence principle, mean that incorrect measurements Dr Vladimiro Bonamin, Vice- whereby the proportion of light correlates are taken, resulting in heavy financial President, Global Business Development exactly with the number of Adenosine penalties for shipowners. We now Manager, SGS Groups, says: “With the Tri-phosphates found in ballast water. have the technology available to entry into force of the Ballast Water Other luminometers measure the provide 100% indicative but accurate Management Convention next month, light, but these use a very rudimentary readings more or less immediately, ballast water monitoring will become measurement ‘pen’ to take a small sample without having to send samples off an important aspect of the port state of the water. This is ineffective since the to laboratories.” control function, as inspectors test reagent required to extract the ATP from Aqua-tools’ ATP 2G technology treated water for compliance. Aqua- the organism is heavily diluted and does can be used onboard vessels and by tools, in collaboration withSGS Group not provide an accurate measurement enforcement agencies to rapidly analyse (Switzerland) and LuminUltra (Canada), from which to assess efficacy across the treated waters during the deballasting has developed a Rapid ATP technology entire spectrum specified in the IMO D2 process, providing results in less than designed to be the most reliable and parameters list. 40 minutes.
AQUATOOLS HAS DELIVERED A RAPID ATP BALLAST WATER MONITORING SYSTEM TO SGS GROUP
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 breakbulk and bagging 39 BUSINESS IS BOOMING
There have been considerable investments in breakbulk terminal facilities recently, with a number of new facilities across the world coming on stream
M Holland Latinoamérica has celebrated Xavier Lebrija, director general of the official opening of its new breakbulk M Holland Latinoamérica, says the terminal and headquarters just outside Tultitlán terminal “consolidated two Mexico City in Tultitlán, Mexico. separate facilities in the Mexico City The new 80,000 sq ft facility area into one highly efficient and includes executive offices, warehouse perfectly located operation with space and a separate breakbulk and ample room for our projected growth. processing facility. It can unload two In the process, we tripled our resin railcars simultaneously indoors and pulverizing capacity and doubled our accommodate up to 12 railcars on a bagging capacity.” secure rail spur within the industrial park. The new processing facility includes There is also additional track storage in three pulverizing lines with an an adjacent railyard, all located within a annual capacity of about 12 million secure industrial park. Operations have pounds, and two bagging lines, been phased in at the new facility over including a new high-speed form, the past year. fill and seal line that can bag up to It has been almost two years since six railcars daily. M Holland entered into a partnership At the opening ceremony, agreement with Grupo Solquim, a M Holland global sales director family-owned Mexican plastics and Steve Armstrong told the 200 chemicals distributor with roots attendees, “This expansion in Mexico going back 47 years, to demonstrates our commitment create M Holland Latinoamérica. Two to Mexico and Latin America. The additional Latin American acquisitions location allows us to service both were integrated into the partnership, domestic and international suppliers strengthening access to the Caribbean and a hub to reach both Mexican and and Latin American export markets. export customers.”
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Jordanian investment IMGS has supplied bulk cargo handling FERTILISER PLANT IN AQABA, JORDAN equipment to fertiliser projects in Jordan, a key country in supply of fertiliser and notably phosphates. The project involved transportation and integration of the Rapidpack In-Feed conveying systems, bulk bagging systems and stock monitoring software for phosphate facilities with production capacity exceeding seven million tons annually. With offices in Dubai and Toronto, IGMS provides innovative and economical cargo handling solutions globally with a focus on bulk cargo and bagging and best practices in terminal management. The Rapidpack Mobile Bagging Machine System is a cost-effective and efficient mobile bagging system. Engineered based on years of practical experience in working in diverse Each year, the cooperative distributes Escape prevention conditions with bagging machinery, four metric tons of these grains, and US-based Flexicon has been expanding Rapidpack machines are designed to União Plásticos is responsible for the its product range with the new BULK- be totally self-contained technically development and production of these OUT BFC Bulk Bag Discharger which advanced and easy enough to operate packages. Initially, COOPFAM will be features an enclosure to contain errant with limited training, the company says. using Braskem’s renewable resin in the dust escaping through the seams or “Our containerised mobile production of traditional packaging, fabric of bulk bags when working with weighing and fixed bagging systems known as almofadas (“cushions”). The unlined bags. are designed to operate around the cooperative is a reference in organic, White polymer panels enclose clock, worldwide, in the most hostile solidary and agroecological agriculture, the sides, rear and top of the frame, environmental conditions, Rapidpack benefiting more than 400 families while clear panels on four hinged equipment is designed to handle all of small coffee farmers from the access doors allow monitoring of shipped dry bulk materials including municipalities in southern Minas Gerais. the discharging process. A port on fertilisers and grain.” “This will be the first organic coffee the rear panel allows venting of the Each unit contains built-in scales, packaging to invest in Green Polyethylene enclosure to a centralised dust certified in accordance to international in the Brazilian market, which shows collection system. standards enabling us to guarantee our commitment to sustainability. It is Intended for applications in which accurately weighed bags and detailed another great achievement not only for trace amounts of dust cannot be records of delivered and received the cooperative, but also for the final tolerated or when dusty materials cargo quantities. consumer. Our expectation is to take leak through the bag itself, the this product to all our packaging,” says enclosure works in concert with the going green Edivânia de Fátima Fernandes, responsible discharger’s dust-tight bag spout Braskem, the largest petrochemical for the COOPFAM industry. interface and expands the ability of company in the Americas, and A result of the combination of the discharger to contain dust from all União Plásticos, a company that innovation, technology, and sustainability, areas of the bag. manufactures and markets flexible the Green Plastic captures 3.09 metric To maintain dust control at the bag plastic packaging, has partnered with tons of CO2 for each metric ton of resin spout, a manual Spout-Lock clamp ring the Cooperative of Family Farmers of of renewable origin produced, according positioned atop a pneumatically actuated the Poço Fundo Region (COOPFAM), in to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) TELE-TUBE® telescoping tube enable Minas Gerais, for the supply of the I’m carried out by the consulting firm ACV an operator to make a quick, dust-tight GreenT Green Plastic. The polyethylene Brasil, with technical review by a panel connection between the bag spout and from sugarcane, a 100% renewable raw composed of the Institute for Energy and hopper, and to automatically elongate material, will be used in the production Environmental Research GmbH (IFEU) and the bag as it empties to promote flow of organic coffees packaging. Michigan State University. and evacuation.
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The telescoping tube raises the clamp make the right crane choice levels of humidity and temperatures ring assembly that seals the clean side Finding the right overhead crane is ranging from 22 – 40°C. A variety of of the bag spout to the clean side of the now made easier with Konecranes dust suppression measures will be telescoping tube, then lowers until the Crane Advisor, an online tool that employed both at the intake area of bag spout is pulled taut. helps customers narrow down their the Eco Hopper itself as well as on a Once the spout is untied, the crane options with customized dusting system situated between the telescoping assembly exerts continual recommendations. The tool is already hopper and truck. downward tension on the spout, being used in North America and is The dust reduction measures elongating the bag as it empties. now made available in other include an automatic reverse-jet The high-integrity, dust-tight seal geographical areas as well, with cleaning system, air compressors, between the bag spout and clamp ring new features and content. inlet grill with suction capacity, a allows full-open discharge from the bag “Crane Advisor is a service that makes flex-flap creating a pressure differential without dusting. the information retrieval a lot easier and and a dust filter unit on three sides of A Power Cincher pneumatically- more efficient for our customers,” says Jari the hopper. actuated flow control valve cinches the Myyryläinen Vice President, Konecranes The Eco Hopper inlet grill measures bag spout concentrically with no leakage Industrial Applications. “Crane Advisor 6m x 6m and is topped by a 2m of material, allowing gradual opening of offers the customer valuable information high shroud which creates an the bag spout as well as retying of partially which is customised according to the aperture of 8.2 x 8.2m for grab empty bags. The discharger is equipped lifting needs.” discharge thus mitigating the effects with Flow Flexer bag activators that raise Only four steps are necessary to of high winds. The Eco Hopper is and lower opposite bottom edges of get a crane recommendation the mounted on a chassis which brings the bag at timed intervals, loosening company explains. Crane Advisor the total height of the configuration compacted materials and promoting asks the customer to answer four key to 15.7m allowing a truck clearance material flow into the bag discharge spout. questions – industry, capacity, span height of over 4m. As the bag lightens, the stroke of the bag and duty class. The icon-based-design The 4 Eco Hoppers for the Port of activators increases, raising the bag into of the tool makes it extremely user- Mombasa are mobile powered travel a steep “V” shape, eliminating dead spots friendly. After submitting the answers, with crabbing functionality to enable for total evacuation of material with no the user immediately gets a personalised specific positioning of the hoppers manual intervention. overhead crane recommendation. alongside the vessel. The throughput of Material contact surfaces are of With this recommendation, each Eco Hopper is designed to operate stainless steel finished to sanitary customers can familiarise themselves at a peak rate of 700tph. standards, with the exception of flexible with the product offering even tubing that connects the bag spout before continuing discussions with a euroports largest load clamp ring to the surge hopper, and the Konecranes sales representative. This Euroports has just completed a major hopper outlet to a flanged connection approach saves the customer’s time and job for a number of its key customers in feeding a process on the floor below. decision making. In a world where time Antwerp, loading to capacity the Salta, The unit is also available with an is money, this is very valuable. for GMB Maritime Liner Services, at its integral dust collection system, outlets Terminal 1207 in Antwerp. to feed any process, and mechanical or eco hoppers for kenya At the terminal, which has a pneumatic conveying systems. Samson Materials Handling has storage capacity of one million tonnes, BFC Series dischargers feature a received an order from TradeMark East Euroports handles a large range of cantilevered I-beam with electric hoist Africa for 4 Eco Hoppers with ATEX to cargo types, from paper products to and trolley to raise and position bulk be employed at the Port of Mombasa in steel and other metals, wind turbines, bags without the use of a forklift. Also Kenya. This was won following a lengthy and fruit. The challenge this time was to offered are BFF Series dischargers and complicated tender process. The load all the cargo onto the MV Salta in equipped with top-mounted receiving engineering design is the result of the time for its scheduled departure date, cups and removable bag-lifting frames successful collaboration of the Aumund 25 September. for forklift loading of bulk bags, and BFX group involving Samson Materials “This vessel has the largest draft of half-frame dischargers that require a Handling in the UK and engineers from any that Euroports has ever loaded at forklift or plant hoist to suspend the bag SCHADE Lagertechnik in Germany. this terminal,” says Joeri Tielemans, the during discharge. Four identical Eco Hoppers will be company’s Commercial Director for Construction is of carbon steel with used for the environmentally respectful Belgium and France. “That’s thanks to durable industrial finish, with stainless import of clinker, coal and gypsum. the new 18-metre-deep lock here in steel material contact surfaces, or in all- Management of air quality and fugitive Antwerp, which we’re really delighted stainless steel finished to food, dairy or dust is very important as operation will with, because it gives our customers so pharmaceutical standards. be in a dusty atmosphere with high much more flexibility.”
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 42 bulk shipbuilding and repair ORE ABILITY
Times might have been tough for the industry over the past few years, but there is certainly appetite in the market for very large ore carriers to meet the demand of the Brazil–China trades
If many question marks hang over the viability of VLOC conversions from oil tankers following the Stellar Daisy tragedy, demand for new tonnage shows no signs of abating. Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the world’s largest shipbuilder, announced in September that it had signed an $800m contract to build 10 325,000 dwt VLOCs with Polaris Shipping, the domestic dry bulk owner and operator which operated the Stellar Daisy. The contract is the largest single order in the past five years, since HHI received an order of 10 large-sized containerships from a Greek shipping company in 2012. The ships, measuring 340m in length, 62m in width and 29.8m in height, will be designed as eco- friendly, applying LNG Ready design to meet environmental regulations and reduce fuel consumption, and equipped with a ballast water treatment system and a scrubber. The vessels are scheduled to be delivered by 2021. An HHI official says: “Even under unfavourable market conditions, we
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have proved our competitiveness with Underwater work conditions, keeping the vessel on-hire a big order contract in five years. We There has been a flurry of activity for and on schedule without having to wait are beefing up our marketing efforts to Hydrex dive teams, with a number of hull for a drydock space to become available. meet clients’ needs on the back of our repair and shell plate projects in Europe A tailored mobdock also had to be eco-friendly technologies.” and the United States in recent months. constructed in Palm Beach, USA, to HHI Group has received a total of All repair projects were carried facilitate the repair of a section of hull 20 orders to build vessels from Polaris out while the vessels remained afloat affected by corrosion. The damaged area Shipping, and delivered seven vessels and on hire using the Antwerp-based was the aft starboard side shell plating including four 250,000 ton VLOCs company’s award-winning mobile dry by way of the bilge so it was imperative ordered in 2013 so far. dock technique, mobdock. However, the that the mobdock could sit perfectly The total number of ships HHI repair to the flat bottom plates of vessels over the rounded shape of the hull. Group won so far this year is 99 ships in the Port of Santander and Palm Beach After the modified mobdock was worth $5.8bn, which is a 500% required a more bespoke solution. installed, the frame covering the damage plus increase for the comparable A 115m LPGC had just left dry was removed. This allowed the diver/ period last year when it clinched 20 dock in the Port of Santander, Spain, technician team from the Hydrex facility ships worth $2bn. when damage to the flat bottom was in Tampa, Florida, to cut away the discovered, but since returning to damage and the surrounding area. A Drydock reopens dry dock was not an option due to new insert plate was then positioned The world’s third biggest drydock is unavailability and cost, Hydrex was and welded following our class- back in the running for repair business contacted to carry out the repair. The approved procedure. in Marseille. vessel’s shape, however, necessitated the “This is the real beauty of the Renovation work costing €32m design of a bespoke mobdock (mobile mobdock concept,” says Dave to reopen the giant Drydock 10 at dry dock) so technicians could carry out Bleyenberg, Hydrex Production Marseille as a megaship repair base the repair underwater in dry dock-like Executive. “We can modify or build was completed in early April with conditions while the ship was berthed custom-made solutions on site to refurbishment of the pumping station. alongside the repair yard. suit any shaped hull or appendage The port authority has now handed Once diver/technicians discovered in very little time. This way most possession to designated operator the extent of the damage, which repair projects can be carried out Chantier Naval de Marseille (CNdM). required a 400x300m insert, they began underwater, in dry condition. At 465m long and 85m wide, the to tailor-make a mobdock on site to fit “Of course, there are occasions where dry dock is the world’s third biggest the rounded shape of the hull. damage does not allow a permanent and was opened in 1975 to specialise The mobdock was constructed at repair, but we can install temporary in VLCC repairs. It was mothballed in the yard for installation by the Hydrex doubler plate over the damaged areas, 2000 when the market shifted east, team. The shipyard team was then able allowing vessels to keep sailing until but has been restored to serve the to effect repair in the best possible their next scheduled dry dock. This was largest ships afloat with minimal deviation – notably cruise vessels more than 360m long that regularly call at Marseille, the leading cruise port of France. In addition, the facility will be targeted at gas carriers, bulkers, containerships and the offshore sector. With funding support from national and regional authorities, the project also included the construction of a new dock gate, equipment overhauls and renewal of the electricity supply network. Last year, Costa Cruises underlined Marseille’s key repair location by taking a one-third stake in CNdM, which already operates dry docks 8 & 9 at the port after being formed for the purpose in 2010 by Genoa-based repair and conversion specialist San HYDREX WAS CONTRACTED TO CARRY OUT THE REPAIRS Georgio del Porto.
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the solution offered to the operator of an end of last year. We want to offer our further advantages are the de-creased offshore supply vessel recently, when a customers innovative and cost-efficient impact on the environment, such as a small hole was discovered in the hull on solutions,” explains Dieter Dehlke, CEO of significant reduction in VOC emissions, the starboard side of the flat bottom. A Blohm+Voss. and increased occupational safety. The minor patch repair like this can easily be Compared to common manual same applies to the subsequent ship carried out in less than a day without any application techniques, with the HTC, operation, for example, carbon dioxide, interference to a ship’s schedule.” due to the automatic surface preparation sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide Hull repair to a 198m general cargo and coating, an exact and uniform colour emissions are lower. ship berthed close to the Hydrex composition can be achieved. This results The collaboration between the facility in Antwerp was, however, a in reduced consumption of the colour shipyard and the manufacturer for lot less straightforward. coating as well as a smoother application automated access and maintenance A detailed inspection of the vessel of the antifouling (AHR) providing a less systems already began in May 2016 revealed corrosion damage in the flat rough surface, which ultimately leads to with the first successful test runs, which bottom but shell plating around the fuel savings when the ship is in operation. included a 4,045 TEU container ship from damage was in poor condition and too In addition to the quality advantages the Hapag-Lloyd shipping company. thin to accommodate the welding of an with regard to the ship coating, “Whilst the container vessel Quebec insert plate. Instead, four large doubler Express was docked at Blohm+Voss, plates were inserted on the inside of the coating was fully removed, partially the hull to cover the damage and other using the HTC system, and further areas at risk. maintenance work was conducted. “The 1255 x 400mm plates were cut to This has led to a 7% reduction of the size at Hydrex HQ’s fast response centre speed-loss of the vessel”, says Lutz and then fitted and secured by our diver/ Dyck, Fleet Director of the Hamburg technicians. To prevent any further leaks, shipping company. additional welding work was carried out During the current market launch to the rest of the area before detailed phase, which runs until 31 December thickness measurements were taken to 2017, Blohm+Voss and Palfinger will be make sure the vessel could sail safely until offering special conditions for customers the next drydock visit,” says Bleyenberg. interested in the HTC system. Hull coating co-operation Ballast water business Shipyard Blohm+Voss has launched Goltens has been awarded a contract a state-of-the-art technology for the for the engineering and retrofit coating of hulls developed by Hubert installation of OceanSaver ballast water Palfinger Technologies (HPT). The treatment (BWT) systems on-board two new, cost-saving process, the Hull of BP Shipping’s gas carriers. The vessels Treatment Carrier (HTC), sets new to be retrofitted are the two 138,000 standards in quality and efficiency and cbm LNG vessels British Innovator and makes a sustainable contribution to British Merchant. environmental and occupational safety. Goltens will undertake the HTC is now available to Blohm+Voss engineering and prefabrication work in customers for all repair and refit projects. 2017 and then complete the installation Removal with high-pressure water up services in 2018. “We look forward to to 3,000 bar, automated application up working closely with BP and applying to 1,200m per hour per HTC, up to 30% our well-proven process to the retrofit less coating needed – Blohm+Voss, in of these two gas carriers in the most co-operation with Palfinger, is setting efficient manner,” says Roy Strand, Chief the stage for new standards in the refit Operating Officer of Goltens Worldwide. and repair sector by introducing to the Goltens has centres of excellence in market a new HTC system for surface Oslo, Miami, Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai, treatment and colour application. Busan and Groningen in the Netherlands, “Our co-operation with Palfinger is where the Green Technologies division an important building block in order is headquartered. Goltens provides to consistently optimise our core clients with comprehensive support for areas of business after becoming part SPECIALIST HULL PAINTING their BWT retrofit projects, including 3D of the Luerssen Group towards the laser scanning and design engineering,
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system evaluation and comparisons, (incl Newcastlemaxes and Baby Capes), plus 16,000 metres of new welding and total engineering packages; including 22 Panamaxes (incl Post-panamaxes the application of 12 tonnes of paint. bill of materials, 3D shipyard installation and Kamsarmaxes), 22 Ultramaxes and The project also demanded a fast drawings and instructions and Marine Supramaxes and 22 Handies, plus one turnaround, with just three months Class Submittals, as well as full turnkey transshipment platform. available to remove the old steel, installations. fabricate and fit the new tank top and Goltens is the market leader for Dunkirk development then apply the special paint system. ballast water retrofit projects having Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque (DSDu) To prepare for that, a dedicated team been involved in more than 240 has completed major refurbishment of 10 engineers spend the previous projects covering a broad range of works to the yard’s floating dry dock. four months undertaking studies and vessel types and all of the major The dock, capable of taking vessels getting everything ready for work system manufacturers. up to 180 metres in length and lifting to begin as soon as the dock ceased 14,000 tonnes, is owned by the Port operations. 170 people worked night Oldendorff comeback of Dunkerque (Grand Port Maritime and day to cut out and remove the August saw the resurrection of de Dunkerque – GPMD) and is old floor, prefabricate the new steel two newbuilding contracts, which operated by DSDu. It is a major piece sections and then install the new Oldendorff had concluded originally in of ship repair infrastructure and an structure before finally applying the June 2012 with Weihai-based Samjin important part of the yard’s capability anti-corrosion treatment to guarantee Shipbuilding, which was at the time to repair and maintain a wide range optimum protection of the new controlled by Korean shareholders. The of vessels. structure. In addition, a new access initial order was for four 36,000 dwt The dock has recently celebrated its pontoon for the dock called Dynamo Handysize newbuildings of the Korean 30th anniversary. It was built in 1986 in was added. designed FESDEC-36k eco type. Germany and purchased by GPMD in Originally a Damen Stan Pontoon The yard had to go through a 2001. After 30 years in service, in which 5213, it was adapted by the yard for its financial restructuring due to the the tank top had undergone only minor new purpose. Work on the dock began problems of its Korean parent, repairs, it was time to renew this major at the start of September 2016 and was Oldendorff comments. “We cancelled part of the overall structure. The contract completed in mid-December, just in all four ships in 2014 and 2015 after was awarded to DSDu after a public time to receive the first ferry – P&O’s excessive delays and received back our tendering process and required the European Seaway – marking the start of down payments. Roughly 50% of the replacement of 700 tonnes of steelwork DSDu’s annual winter refit season. building blocks were completed at that time and well-protected.” Samjin was acquired last year by DAMEN SHIPREPAIR DUNKERQUE (DSDU) HAS COMPLETED the diversified Shanghai Zhouji Group MAJOR REFURBISHMENT WORKS TO THE YARDS FLOATING DOCK and in August Oldendorff signed new contracts for two of its original hull numbers (#1058 and #1059) for delivery in the autumn of 2018 and January 2019. It also concluded timecharter contracts with a major trading house for four to five years’ time charter on both vessels. The new vessels feature four 35 tons Mitsubishi cranes, a Wärtsilä / WinGD main engine, MAN-B&W auxiliary engines and Mewis fuel saving ducts. The cargo holds have a generous cubic capacity of 47,500 cbm, a tanktop strength of 25 tons per sqm and a high flexibility for heavy bulk parcels and steel cargoes. In the past five years since 2012, Oldendorff has invested more than US$2.25bn in 89 vessels. The buying programme was divided equally among all four segments: 22 Capes
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 46 Us gulf ports
While the channel TESTING is open and commerce is flowing with TIMES some restrictions, the Houston
Ship Channel Gulf ports have been recovering following the devastating needs significant effects of the hurricane season. Hurricane Harvey has significantly impacted the entire Texas coast, home to dredging to petroleum refining centres in Corpus Christi, Houston, Port address these Arthur, Beaumont, and Lake Charles Louisiana. The storm forced many to either completely shut down or significantly storm damages scale back operations
HURRICANE HARVEY WREAKED HAVOC ALONG THE US COAST
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How much damage has actually been width, we must enhance its efficiency Steve Blowers of Bahri Logistics, done to port infrastructure during the and we must build in resiliency, to make says: “Bahri is committed to realising its hurricane season will clearly need to be it better for ever- growing demand.” The vision of connecting economies, sharing assessed. Insurers have already said they chairman stated also that part of the prosperity and driving excellence in are gearing up to meet major claims. channel’s recovery is to “harden this asset global logistics services. At the end of September, Houston to make it better for the future,” which “We are constantly seeking Port Commission Chairman Janiece may include a channel that is deepened to expand our global reach to Longoria stressed the need to restore and widened. provide greater speed and convenience and improve the Houston Ship Channel Prior to the hurricane activities, US to our customers, and adding a new due to its importance to the future . Gulf ports had been showing strong port call at New Orleans will allow us In comments to the Port Commission figures for the first half of the year . “Port to more efficiently cater to the needs during its regular monthly meeting, she Houston has already handled nearly 20 of customers in North America, highlighted impacts of Hurricane Harvey million tons of cargo this year, reflecting where our order volumes are saying: “We are in desperate need of an increase of 13% from the same period steadily increasing.” additional relief to properly dredge the last year,” said executive director Roger channel so that it can accommodate Guenther at a meeting to discuss first Gulfport developments normal commerce at its authorized half results. More than 1.7 million tons All has not necessarily being going well at depth and width.” of steel crossed Port Houston wharves, the Port of Gulfport, where a contractor Presenting satellite images of the reflecting a year-to-date increase of is reported to be suing the Mississippi mouth of the Houston Ship Channel nearly 50%. Development Authority, construction- taken days before and after the project managers and engineering firms devastating rains inundated the Gulf Middle East connection over a $50m contract. Coast. “The floodwater coming through The Port of New Orleans increased Southern Industrial Contractors of our system deposited tons and tons its connection to major ports in the Rayville, Louisiana, maintains MDA and of silt into the Houston Ship Channel Middle East, Indian subcontinent and port construction and engineering and throughout Galveston Bay,” she Mediterranean Sea and welcomed the firms were negligent in the design and said. “While the channel is open and return of roll-on, roll-off service with administration of a project to build a commerce is flowing with some the inaugural call of the Bahri Yanbu, transit shed on the refurbished and restrictions, the Houston Ship Channel a new state-of-the-art multipurpose expanded West Pier. As a result, the needs significant dredging to address vessel, in mid-August at the Nashville lawsuit says, SIC was unable to perform these storm damages.” Avenue Terminal Complex operated its work as bid and wound up losing Additional images presented during by Ports America. the job. the meeting showed dramatic shoaling “The return of roll-on/roll-off service The Mississippi State Port Authority’s at the entrances of the port’s three to the Port of New Orleans – for the board awarded SIC a $47m contract to major terminals. “There has been 10ft first time since 2005 – helps us meet build a transit shed for tenants Dole of sediment collected as a result of the diverse needs of the marketplace and Chiquita on the restored and massive amounts of floodwater that and increases our global expanded West Pier, beneficiary of has carried this silt into the channel,“ competitiveness,” says Brandy Christian, $580m in post-Katrina funding from Chairman Longoria noted. “Again, this Port of New Orleans CEO. “The Bahri the federal government. seriously restricts commerce to and ships are flexible, state-of-the-art vessels Meanwhile, SeaOne Gulfport, an from our facilities.” that can simultaneously accommodate affiliate of Houston-based SeaOne A study conducted by the Texas project, Roll-on/Roll-off, breakbulk and Holdings, has signed a lease option Transportation Institute determined container cargo. We expect shippers agreement with the Port of Gulfport that a loss of one foot of depth in the will be pleased with its flexibility and the Mississippi Development channel costs the US economy as much and efficiency.” Authority on property defined as as $281m dollars per year. Chairman Bahri, formerly known as the Terminal 4 at the Port with plans Longoria added that the impact National Shipping Company of Saudi to build a compressed gas liquids of Hurricane Harvey highlights the Arabia (NSCSA), announced its decision production plant. importance of the channel as a critical to call at the Port of New Orleans after The port’s strategic location component of the national economy. securing new business contracts, which allows direct access to target export “We must also look at improvements allows it to provide an unmatched markets, proximity and connectivity to this waterway that make it more customer experience and deliver to existing natural gas infrastructure resilient and reduce the impacts of market-leading, technology-driven and while offering available land for future weather events,” she stressed. “We value-added onshore and offshore growth, thereby positioning the believe that rather than just returning services to its New Orleans and Gulf Port of Gulfport SeaOne’s the channel to its pre-storm depth and region customers. preferred location.
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FLORIDA SEAPORTS HAVE DEMONSTRATED THREE STRAIGHT YEARS OF GROWTH IN TOTAL CARGO TONNAGE
While the US benefits from low- to Articulated Tug and Barge marine rail terminal, and a petroleum and cost natural gas, many Caribbean and transportation vessels that will deliver petroleum products storage facility on Central American countries struggle the CGL cargo to market. the leased property. It intends for the to meet their energy needs. Countries facility to connect with its proposed in this region rely on high cost liquid Port of Corpus Christi Dos Aguilas pipeline to Monterrey, fuels which limits economic growth and The Port of Corpus Christi has approved a Mexico. As part of the lease agreement negatively impacts the socio-economic long-term lease agreement with Maverick terms the Port of Corpus Christi fabric of the region. Terminals Corpus LLC, a subsidiary of Authority will design and construct a Approximately 92% of the current Howard Energy Partners. The 30-year lease new oil dock, Oil Dock 20. power generation in these markets agreement was approved unanimously The Oil Dock 20 facility will initially relies upon oil based fuels, while by port commissioners for approximately serve Mexico’s transportation fuel households generally use natural gas 41 acres of land on the north side of demands by rail with an estimated target liquids for cooking and heating. The the Corpus Christi Ship Channel in the of at least two to three unit trains per planned rich gas and natural gas liquids Inner Harbour. week. Once the Dos Aguilas pipeline is (NGLs) being exported will provide With the expansive growth in permitted, constructed, and in-service, rich gas for power plants and also both Eagle Ford and Permian Basin significantly more volume is anticipated. provide propane and Liquid Petroleum productions and the growing global Further, the Oil Dock 20 is targeting crude Gases (LPGs) for household and other energy demand in general and in exports to international markets and will uses. SeaOne will use its patented and particular in Mexico, Corpus Christi is have Suez-max capability. proprietary CGLtechnology to export fast emerging as the energy port of the “Port Corpus Christi has secured its and deliver gas, propane, butane, and Americas, the authority says. position as the number one crude oil ethane to international markets in the As the largest refining centre in close export port in the United States. This Caribbean and Central America. proximity to Mexico, Corpus Christi major investment from Howard Energy SeaOne’s CGL production and export continues to see large investments in Partners represents a shining example facility will use a refrigeration process to supporting the transportation of US of why the Port of Corpus Christi is chill the gas to form a solvated product energy to Mexican consumers. the energy port of the Americas,” says called Compressed Gas Liquid (CGL). Howard Energy Partners plans Charles Zahn, Chairman of the Port The CGL product will be transferred to design, construct, and operate a Corpus Christi Commission.
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“This lease marks a strategic and the Legislature are paying off as Florida 71.1% in 2014. Over the past decade, significant expansion of our terminal further establishes itself as a key player Florida’s trade with the region has network, not only for refined products in the global marketplace.” grown but, in the past two years there but for crude oil. We are excited The annual Five-Year Seaport has been a market correction. about the opportunities for further Mission Plan is a statutorily required In 2016, the import component development, and look forward to report produced by the Florida Ports fell 7.9% to $16.5bn, and from a much continuing to expand our relationship Council on behalf of the Florida Seaport larger base, exports fell 11.5% to 24.3 with the Port of Corpus Christi,” says and Transportation and Economic billion tons. Asia, with $22.4bn in cargo, Brad Bynum, Howard Energy Partners Development Council. represents about 28.3% of Florida’s Co-Founder and President. “Due to the state’s priority on waterborne trade, and continues to seaport development, Florida ports be one of Florida’s most important Florida growth trade with more than 200 countries trading regions. The Florida Ports Council released its and continue to expand reach and With a 2.6% increase overall, Europe mission statement earlier in the year accessibility every year,” says Wayne was the only trade region to show which provided updated figures on Stubbs, council chairman and Port growth in trade values with Florida in international trade, cargo data and Panama City director. 2016. Europe has built up a growing cruise activity at Florida’s seaports. “Port investments through FSTED share of the state’s total trade: $11.6bn “Florida seaports have demonstrated have a return on investment of or about 14.6%. three straight years of growth in total nearly $7 in state and local tax North American waterborne cargo tonnage, including an increase revenue for every $1 of state funding, trade showed double-digit growth of 4.2% in 2015/2016. This is in addition creating a diverse and growing in 2015, at 12%, but dropped 11.2% to a strong cruise sector, where Florida economy for Floridians and in 2016 to $3.7bn. Exports to Canada continues to be home to the top three future generations.” fell 18.3% and imports fell 61.5%, cruise ports in the world,” says Doug According to the report South reflecting the large decrease in oil Wheeler, President and CEO of the America, Central America and the and fuel prices. Mexican imports rose Florida Ports Council. Caribbean trade amounted to 77 by 7.1% in 2016, buttressed by the “Clearly, port infrastructure percent of waterborne exports in 2016. automotive industry, and exports investments by Governor Scott and This figure is up from 74.4% in 2015 and fell slightly.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 50 chinese ports and terminals CHINA CLEANS UP
News that China is planning to cancel one third of iron ore mining rights as a means of cutting pollution will come as good news for companies such as Vale, which is transporting large quantities of the commodity from South America Given the demand for new orders for very large ore carriers, the bulk segment sees a good future for iron ore shipment towards China
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An official from Metallurgical Mines build 10 325,000 dwt VLOCs with Polaris comprehensive business partnership Association of China told a recent Shipping. will be used to support in shipping and related industries to industry conference that about 1,000 Polaris charters with commodities further strengthen China maritime mining rights licences would be giant Vale. finance offerings. cancelled pending miners upgrading ICBC Leasing and China Merchants Meanwhile, agricultural commodities their facilities and approach to Energy Shipping also recently signed giant Cargill has hooked up with environmental issues. a cooperation agreement on VLOC Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co The conference heard that iron ore project, tightening their overall to take advantage of very low Chinese mines in China were on the decline, collaboration in the shipping industry newbuilding prices with an order for as the industry decided to import the with a framework agreement at the up to six capesizes. product and, if necessary, upgrade same time. The pair – through joint venture low grade imported ore, rather than According to the agreement Great Wave Navigation – have tapped producing it locally. signed in Beijing in May, the energy Jiangsu New Yangzijiang, according Clearly, given the demand for new transportation unit of China Merchants to Clarkson Research, to build three orders for very large ore carriers, the Group joins ICBC Leasing’s four plus 10 180,00 dwt capes. bulk segment sees a good future for VLOC project via an offshore investment The contract comes with three iron ore shipment towards China. A vehicle. ICBC Leasing signed a COA with options. Price per unit is reportedly number of orders have been signed Vale in April this year. Co-operation $41.6m with delivery of the firm ships recent for new tonnage to be built to with China Merchants is set to reduce scheduled for 2019. service the market, including players operational risks benefitting from both Cargill and Mitsui last ordered like South Korea’s Polaris Shipping. companies’ professional expertise in ships together four years ago with a Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the maritime management. contract with Shanghai Waigaoqiao world’s largest shipbuilder, announced With this project, ICBC Leasing and Shipbuilding for three capesize vessels that it has signed a $800m contract to China Merchants agreed to establish a subsequently re-sold to Scorpio Bulk.
CHINA IS PLANNING TO CANCEL ONE THIRD OF IRON ORE MINING
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 52 chinese ports and terminals
Coal trading improvement increasing the coal trade in the Pacific. One Belt One Road The recent surge in the Panamax rates Second, the demand for soybean and The One Belt One Road (OBOR) project looks sustainable in the medium term corn in Asia is expected to continue was announced in 2013 with the aim as its demand is propelled by improved increasing.” of improving transport connections coal trade on the Australia-China route between Chinese ports and industrial and the increasing soybean and corn centres on the one hand and trade trades from the Americas (US and Brazil) SHANGHAI centres in Asia, the Middle East and to Asia, according to Drewry Shipping Europe on the other. The project Consultants. “One of the major reasons comprises a rail aspect, which roughly behind the recent surge in Panamax follows the same route as the ancient rates has been low deliveries and high Silk Road and a maritime aspect that also demolitions since 2016, compared to covers South-East Asia and countries Supramaxes substantially reducing the around the Indian Ocean. supply growth of Panamaxes over the China launched the Green Shield past two and a half years. 2017 project in July, which aimed to “Since 2016, Panamax deliveries have crack down on mining actively in nature been 38% lower than that of Supramax reserves in the country. in terms of dwt, while demolitions have Chinese interests have also been been 32% higher, helping the Panamax making substantial investments in port supply growth to slow down. During facilities in the Pearl River Delta area and 2013-16, the Panamax fleet expanded also as part of Russian plans to develop a by 2.8%, while the Supramax fleet deepwater port near Archangel. expanded by 5.6% annually, helping China’s Belt and Road initiative has the Panamax rates recover faster than been driving investment in regional the Supramax rates. The average Baltic cargo efficiency on the up ports and in ports in the wider Southeast Panamax TCA remained below the Cargo clearance efficiency in Shanghai Asian area. In recent years, China has Supramax segment for most of the has been raised by about 30%, as looked to rationalise its investment in period since the first quarter of 2011. “ the major port city continues to port facilities so as to ensure that they “The average parcel size, based on streamline clearance procedures to include a more holistic approach to sample fixtures for commodities other smooth foreign trade, according to developing port facilities over and above than iron ore (on NonCapesize/VLOCs), government reports. the basic infrastructure. has grown over the years from 59,600 The average clearance time for tonnes in 2015 to 66,500 metric tons in imports and exports within the Caofeidian collaboration 2017. It looks sustainable in the medium jurisdiction of Shanghai Customs was Antwerp Port Authority has recently term, mainly because of two reasons. 21.67 hours and 1.35 hours respectively signed a collaboration agreement First, China has been trying to reduce its for the first eight months of 2017, 26% with the port of Caofeidian. The pollution levels by replacing low-quality and 32% shorter than the same period collaboration forms part of the “One coal with high-quality Australian coal, last year, respectively. Belt One Road” project in which China Shanghai has cancelled 11 items seeks to connect its main ports and requiring examination and approval industrial cities more closely with crucial THE COAL TRADE HAS IMPROVED ON this year and all clearance applications trade centres elsewhere in the world, THE AUSTRALIA-CHINA ROUTE can now be processed online. Over including Europe. The Memorandum 95% of the cargo declaration is made of Understanding was signed in the via the “single-window system,” a trade presence of the prime ministers of facilitation policy that enables faster and Belgium and China at a ceremony held easier cargo clearance. in Val Duchesse castle where seven other From January to August, import agreements between the two countries and export value at Shanghai ports were also concluded at the same time. registered a 16.1 percent growth year Caofeidian is a young, but very on year to 3.9 trillion yuan (about $0.59 dynamic port situated in the North of trillion). Exports rose 11.4 percent to 2.3 Bohai bay in China. Last year, it handled trillion yuan, while imports grew 23.4 260 million tonnes of freight including percent to 1.6 trillion. 36 million tonnes of steel. Antwerp is Foreign trade through ports in the largest steel port in Europe with an Shanghai accounts for about one quarter extensive range of value-added activities of the national total. in this specific segment. The volume
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of steel carried between Caofeidian The charging system was also and Antwerp is between 500,000 and altered, with adjustments in fees for tug 700,000 tonnes per year. services and pilotage. Wu Chungeng, In order to further boost trade spokesperson for the Ministry of between them, under the terms of the Transport (MOT), says changes to port MoU the two parties will investigate charges since 2014 have brought down the possibility of establishing a rail corporate costs by CYN1bn each year, connection between Caofeidian with payable items down to 18 from 45, and Antwerp. Shipping transport and better information disclosure. The will also be improved thanks to the new rule was effective for five years from introduction of a regular liner service. 15 September, 2017. The agreement also provides for port professionals from Caofeidian to follow Qingdao venture a training package later this year Qingdao Port International and developed specially by APEC-Antwerp/ PetroChina Fuel Oil plan to spend Flanders Port Training Centre, the US$45m ( CNY300m) to set up a joint maritime training institute venture to add 600,000 cubic metres of the port of Antwerp. Finally, the of crude oil storage to Qingdao’s two parties have undertaken to Dongjiakou Port Area. carry out mutual promotion and Qingdao Port International has signed exchange of information. a letter of intent to establish a joint venture with PetroChina Fuel Oil . The JV McGregor order will store, load, unload and transfer crude MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has oil, fuel oil and wax oil products. received an order from Yangzijiang Qingdao Port is the largest oil shipyard in China to equip five transport, transfer and storage base 62,000 dwt open hatch bulk carriers in coastal China and ranks first in the (OHBC) with hatch covers and cranes. country for amount of crude oil loaded Equipment deliveries will start in 2018 and unloaded. A top-notch port with and continue until 2019. The order was a capacity of 300,000 tons of crude oil booked into Cargotec’s third quarter and oil storage tanks with a capacity of 2017 order intake. nearly three million cubic metres have “We want to help our customers been built at Dongjiakou Port Area, succeed,” says Leif Byström, Senior Vice which can handle 25 million tons of President, Cargo Handling, MacGregor. crude a year. “Our commitment to this success is MacGregor’s long track record in Abu Dhabi investment engineering safe and efficient solutions Five Chinese companies have agreed for cargo handling and stowage.” to spend a total of $300m in a deal with The order comprises the design of Abu Dhabi Ports, deemed a “milestone” key hatch cover components and the by CEO Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi. delivery of 20 cranes, four per vessel. The companies have signed a lease Each crane will be fitted with an active on 2.2 square kilometres of the Free rotation control (ARC) system, which Trade Zone of Khalifa Port, which the stabilises and automatically rotates a United Arab Emirates (UAE) firm Abu load in the air. Dhabi Ports oversees. “This enables faster load handling, “The Chinese companies established reduces cargo damage and delivers within the free zone will sub-lease to considerable energy savings,” says Byström. five factories to start with,” says Al Shamisi. According to Reuters, the Chinese Port charge cut firms involved in the deal are Hanergy China’s Ministry of Transport also Thin Film Power Group, Jiangsu Fantai announced in August that it planned to Mining Development (Group) Co Ltd, cut port charges. The cuts are expected Xuzhou Jianghe Wood Co, Jiangsu Jinzi to save about CNY200m each year for Environmental Technology Co and shipping companies. Guangzheng Group.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 54 german ports and terminals A RISE IN FORTUNES
The German ports sector is holding up. Despite tough market conditions, cargo statistics remain buoyant
Seaborne cargo throughput in Hamburg PORT OF HAMBURG in 2017 during the first six months of the year, including the general and bulk cargo segments, all but matched the previous year’s at 70 million tons, only 0.2% lower than 2016. Up by 1% at 23.5 million tons, bulk cargo throughput in the port continued to grow. “In the first half of 2017 the Port of Hamburg generally succeeded in asserting itself in a difficult environment, producing a stable result compared to other German ports in the North Range,” says Axel Mattern, Joint CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing. With bulk cargo handling in Hamburg, totalling 23.5 million tons and up by 1.0% in the first half, trends for imports and exports differed. On the import side, a first-half total of 16.8 million tons meant a 1.3% downturn. Among exports, bulk cargo throughput was very strong at 6.7 million tons, up by 7.4%. The fall in imports was caused by a 10.3% drop in throughput of suctions goods to 1.9 million tons, and one of
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9.5% to 4.9 million tons in throughput of of conventional general cargoes were goods that frequently arrive on inland liquid cargoes. Among the reasons were down 17.2% at 449,000 tons, the mainly vessels can also be handled at above-average throughput volumes cause being lower exports of vehicles the O’Swaldkai multi-purpose terminal in the comparable period the previous and steel. in Hamburg. year, which in the first half of 2017 again Germany’s third largest industrial The extremely high-performance settled down at a normal level. region profits from an efficient port with Terex Gottwald bicable-type G HMK Up by 5.6% at 10.0 million tons, in excellent worldwide links. With a land 4406 mobile harbour crane primarily the first half the grab cargo segment area of 7,200 hectares, arithmetically handles reefer ships carrying bananas. remained the Port of Hamburg’s one-tenth of the entire area of the city, It can hoist the sensitive fruit both on strongest bulk cargo handling area. with its function as a logistics cargo pallets from the cargo hold as well as Imports of coal & coke at 3.9 million hub for seaborne foreign trade the Port discharge reefer containers arriving tons (up 7.4%) and of ore at 5.2 million of Hamburg is also Hamburg’s largest as deck cargo. With a maximum load tons (up 4%) were above the previous industrial zone. capacity of 100 tonnes and a working year’s. Steeper demand from power “Currently, industry uses 926 hectares radius of up to 46m, the mobile crane stations and the steel industry caused in the Port of Hamburg. That is around is also suitable for handling heavy the higher throughput. 22 percent of the land area of the port,” goods and project cargo for almost all At 6.7 million tons (up 7.4%), bulk says Ingo Egloff, joint CEO of Port of other ships. cargo exports were positive. Trends Hamburg Marketing. Two other smaller, fourth generation differed in the various segments. A “The proximity to water sufficiently HMK 90 E cranes allow palleted goods harvest-related fall in grain exports, deep for ocean-going vessels is to be quickly discharged from the down 8.9% at 1.9 million tons, pushed advantageous for such industrial reefer ships. Like these cranes, the these below the previous year’s total. concerns as steelworks, refineries and new one can also be moved swiftly Export throughput was higher for liquid power stations, owing to the short to the quayside. All of the cranes cargoes, up 27.5% at 2.2 million tons, and distances involved in cargo handling and have a high working speed, which for the grab cargo segment, 8.5%ahead processing large quantities of provides for good productivity and at 2.0 million tons. raw materials.” ensures that there is no disruption to First-half non-containerised general the cold chain, especially when handling cargo throughput, of plant elements and fruit handling fruit pallets. wheeled cargoes for example, remained HHLA’s fruit and refrigeration centre As well as large handling equipment below the previous year’s, being down is one of the most important for fruit on the quayside, HHLA’s fruit and 11.7 percent at 720,000 tons. On the handling in Germany. The company has refrigeration centre has the latest import side, down by 0.8% at 271,000 suitable technical handling technology equipment for handling containers, tons, growing throughput in the form and ground-handling vehicles to deal palleted goods and general cargo. In of paper and metals imports failed efficiently with the specialised reefer addition to two reach stackers, a total to offset slight downturns for timber, vessels and container ships. of 60 forklift trucks with various load citrus fruit and vehicles. Despatches However, the project cargo and heavy capacities are available for this.
TEREX HARBOUR CRANE
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 56 german ports and terminals
PORT OF HAMBURG GENERALLY SUCCEEDED IN ASSERTING ITSELF IN A DIFFICULT ENVIRONMENT
Kiel growth building materials, grain and scrap performance at the Schwedenkai The port of Kiel is very much on target metals. In the ferry sector, the Stena Terminal by adding another rail track. for growth and has posted its best Line in particular upped turnover – by That will mean that we are able to half-year results to date. In the first six 12.8% – and is ranked number two on handle the biggest part of the months of 2017 the port’s varied facilities the list of Kiel’s most important freight growth in sea port hinterland handled 3.7 million tons of goods, customers after DFDS. transport on the railways.” topping the total in the same period of Surprisingly, trade with Russia, which the previous year by 20%. has been severely disrupted in the Cuxhaven developments Dr Dirk Claus, Managing Director of past few years by trade restrictions, Cuxhaven is located at the point where the Port of Kiel, says: “The taking into also showed a slight revival. “We are the Elbe River flows into the North service of the SCA Logistics Centre in now creating additional warehousing Sea. In addition to handling goods in Kiel’s Ostuferhafen has already shown it capacities in the Ostuferhafen, in order transit, Cuxport also offers LoLo services is having a lasting impact on growth and to stabilise the positive development in for containers, break bulk and project providing the planned impetus which trade with Russia”, says Claus. Currently loads and additional warehousing and justifies our investment.” taking shape in the immediate vicinity logistics solutions for all types of traffic. Some 400,000 tons of high-value of the berth used by ships on the St The digital networking of ports is timber products were handled and Petersburg route, is the 5,000m² Shed 12, progressing at high speed and Logistics stored for new customers Svenska planned as a warehouse for sawn timber. 4.0 is already a term that is familiar to Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA) and In container business, which is of only many people. Port services company Iggesund Paperboard in the first half minor significance in Kiel, 13,400 TEUs Cuxport is relying on digitalisation and of the year. “This very good result is all were handled – an increase of 19.3 %. has been starting to develop a state-of- the more significant because Kiel was Intermodal rail/ship handling the-art digital management system for also able to post increases in its other continued to expand in the first its multi-purpose terminals in Cuxhaven handling sectors – ferry traffic and bulk six months of the year with the from July onwards. goods”, says Claus. Even without taking inauguration of a weekly direct train dbh Logistics IT AG, a leading the SCA traffic into consideration, Kiel’s shuttle between Kiel and Trieste and the company for software and consultancy handling performance still rose by a introduction of an additional departure work in the fields of customs and remarkable 7.6%. to Verona. For the first time, the rail foreign trade, transport management, In the first half year of 2017 bulk facilities at the Schwedenkai Terminal the port industry, compliance, SAP and goods handling rose by 18.7% to well and in the Ostuferhafen loaded more cloud services, has been selected as the over 550,000 tons. Alongside fuels such than 16,000 consignments on to rail partner for introducing the system. The as coal and oils, significant increases wagons – up10%. Claus says: “We are current basic modules of “Advantage were also posted in the handling of already working to further increase portos”, a software series related to
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the port industry and the provider’s “Our business and freight volumes the 175m-long freighter MS Imari for connections further inland, are being are growing constantly and this will shipment from Cuxhaven to Ho Chi adapted to the special requirements increase all the more as a result of the Minh City in Vietnam. of the multi-purpose terminals in close completion of our new berth 4 in the The Cuxport terminal provided cooperation with the Cuxport users. middle of 2018. an ideal consolidation and shipping The new terminal management “Alongside this, we’re investing in port for this project load coming from system includes the organisation and the future viability and efficiency of various production sites because of supervision of all the handling and our processes and terminal logistics its good geographical location and its warehouse processes and enables an with the state-of-the-art management suitability for handling heavy loads. A electronical exchange of data with system,” says Peter Zint, Cuxport coastal vessel delivered the jibs that customers like shipping companies, Managing Director. “As a result, we’re were up to 36m long and made by freight forwarders and shippers – as freeing up resources and creating the Liebherr in Rostock via the Baltic Sea. well as with public authorities like the capacity for new business.” The tower parts were transported customs services and Niedersachsen The system is in the process of being to Cuxport from a production site Ports, the seaport’s operator. adapted and put into service, with in Sunderland in the UK by heavy- The goal is to make the processes at completion of the process planned for duty truck via the British ferry port at the terminal much slimmer and more August 2018. Immingham on a vessel operated by efficient. The system is also designed “We’re very happy to support the DFDS ferry company. After their to simplify current administration as a Cuxport in the all-round digitalisation arrival at their destination in Vietnam, result of the mobile process controls of its logistics chains. We’re already the components will be used to and the high degree of connectivity making available an excellent basis for assemble two new port cranes. with partners. handling the special requirements at “As a multi-purpose port, we’re “Equally, the aim is to map the huge Cuxport through our ‘portos Lagerei’ keeping our eyes open and are not just and growing spectrum of services at a and ‘portos Terminal’ software modules,” restricting operations to a few types of multi-purpose port at a system level, as says Karin Steffen-Witt, Port Solutions goods; we can even handle oversized the market demands – and with a view PManager at dbh. and very heavy freight efficiently at to the ongoing process of digitalisation Cuxport has also handled a the Cuxport terminal,” says Oliver during the next few years,” says Mario project consignment for the German Fuhljahn, head of automobile logistics Juranz, project manager at Cuxport. agent of the Japanese shipper NYK at Cuxport, who was responsible for “We’re taking the next step with a web- Bulk & Projects through berth 3 at the project. based order and material management the Europa quay for the first time this “We naturally make available this system and extensive gate automation – summer. The crane parts weighing flexibility and expertise for overseas and our partners will benefit from this.” several tonnes were loaded on board consignments.”
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 58 United Arab Emirates EASTERN PROMISE
Abu Dhabi Ports officially opened its new Fujairah Terminal operation recently and the national oil company ADNOC is reported to be considering an IPO for its shipping interests
Operations by Fujairah Terminals on FUJAIRAH PORT the east coast of the United Arab Emirates are now officially underway, follow an opening ceremony for the Abu Dhabi port. Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi Ports signed a 35-year concession agreement with the Port of Fujairah, under which Fujairah Terminals, a new operational arm wholly owned by Abu Dhabi Ports, was established with over AE$1bn ear-marked for investment in in equipment, and infra and super structure. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports says: “As we mark the official commencement of commercial operations, we express our pride, clear commitment and intention to bring the full breadth of our experience to the table; whether it is container, RORO, bulk, cargo or cruise, supporting expansion into the Indian sub-continent and East African markets, which is set to accelerate the economic and social development of the emirate, eventually becoming a strategic and vital artery for international trade.” “The strong partnership has set in
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 United Arab Emirates 59
stone strategic and robust plans, in line to enhance existing infrastructure in DP World acquisition with our leadership’s vision to create a addition to managing all container, DP World has announced that it is sustainable and diversified economy for general cargo, RoRo and cruise ships in acquiring Maritime World, the 100% future generations to benefit from, that the port. The agreement also includes owner of Dubai Maritime City (DMC), promise a bright future for Fujairah, its deepening of berths to enable the for US$180m and to buy 100% of community and businesses.” Port, which already serves clients and Drydocks World (Drydocks), a capital AbdulKareem Al Masabi, Executive companies in the entire Gulf Region, injection of US$225m. Vice President of Ports at Abu Dhabi Indian Ocean and Indian Subcontinent, DMC includes an industrial business Ports says: “We are here because our to cater to larger vessels. zone in a prime location of central ambition is to replicate the same growth Abu Dhabi Ports will be investing Dubai and adjacent to DP World’s we have experienced and driven at in the infrastructure of Fujairah Ports, Mina Rashid. The industrial park Khalifa and Zayed Ports to Fujairah further enhancing its capabilities. extends to 2.3 million sqm on a Terminals. The Port is already one of Development includes deepening of man-made peninsula and provides the most important economic and berths to -16.5m to allow bigger vessels Economic Zones World FZE additional commercial ports operating in the UAE to come to the Port of Fujairah, building land as an alternative to the highly- and we are confident we are soon to an approximate 300,000 sqm yard of occupied Jebel Ali Free Zone. witness a significant growth in the Port storage space, as well as an additional Drydocks World is a market leader of Fujairah, in addition to a boost to vital 1km quay to accommodate the in the ship repair business with the industry sectors such as steel.” expected growth in the number of ships largest ship repair yard in the Middle Captain Mousa Murad, General arriving to the port, increasing shipping East. The business delivers stable ship Manager of Port of Fujairah, says: “The operations in the process. and rig repair revenues and has port will also be equipped with new Abu Dhabi Ports will also work on specialist capabilities in niche ship and advanced equipment as well as the equipping Fujairah Ports with new and newbuilds and conversions. Drydocks’ latest IT systems in line with the highest advanced equipment such as STS post acquisition will integrate well into standards of precision, safety and speed.” panamax quay cranes, RTGs as well P&O Maritime (POM), which is DP It has also been announced that as new IT systems, bringing efficiency World’s 100% owned maritime Perma Pipe Middle East, a manufacturer to operations and better equipping it services subsidiary. of pre-insulated piping and leak to meet the needs of global shipping Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group detection systems for district heating companies and service operators in line Chairman and CEO, DP World, says: and cooling, signed an MOU with with the highest international standards. “We are delighted to make these Fujairah Terminals with the aim of Maqta Gateway, a wholly owned acquisitions which further strengthen receiving all the necessary logistics subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports will be the Group’s maritime services and port support from the terminal facility to engaged to develop a Port Community related businesses. streamline their business. System that links port communities “As a global trade enabler, we Fathi Elgendy, Senior Vice President with various departments, facilities have been targeting a broader Middle East and Africa at Perma Pipe and operations. strategy to grow complementary Middle East commented on the MoU, The development of berths and sectors in the global supply chain saying: “Our decision to invest in our yards is scheduled to commence in such as industrial parks, free zones relationship with Fujairah Terminals is 2018. The port will remain operational and logistics adding further value for motivated based on multiple business during this time to service existing and all our stakeholders. factors that will gain us a competitive new clients. Additional capacity and “Dubai Maritime City provides us advantage. new quay cranes will begin operations with stable leasing income from DMC’s “By choosing to utilise the port in 2020, including the post panamax existing industrial zone and spare in Fujairah for our logistics we will quay cranes. capacity to develop industrial and be benefitting from increased time Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi National Oil commercial activities for the maritime efficiency, cost reduction and a Company is reported to be considering sector in a prime location of Dubai. convenient location only 2 kilometres a plan to sell shares in its shipping unit “We aim to develop the best- from our offices. Moreover, we are eager as part of a broader strategy to attract in-class Maritime City serving the to reciprocate the support Fujairah investment into the country according needs of the maritime industry and has shown us over the years for our to Bloomburg. leveraging on our expertise and operations in the region and play our The report says the company, which experience from our ownership part in this new era of economic activity is in the process of merging its maritime of the Jebel Ali Free Zone. We are and development.” transport and services interests will consequently well positioned Through Fujairah Terminals, Abu decide on an IPO when this process to deliver significant value in the Dhabi Ports is granted the exclusivity is complete. medium term.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 60 United Arab Emirates
Airbus supplies technology DMCA DISCUSSIONS Airbus is providing its latest Tetra modem TW1m to the telecom company Atlas in the UAE. It will be used to integrate confidential data, such as GPS positioning and text messages into the Atlas vessel identification system which is run by a government agency. “We convinced our partner Atlas with the Tetra modem’s permanent availability and outstanding security features. Our components meet all the “Drydocks World bolsters our The DMTC has pushed the importance essential specifications set by the UAE investment in the maritime sector of investing in the development of government institutions”, says Selim through our subsidiary P&O Maritime. manpower skills in the maritime sector. Bouri, Head of Middle East for Secure We are acquiring a market leader in The centre has a comprehensive Land Communications at Airbus. He the Middle East with the potential to curriculum comprising 13 intensive points out that the markets in the Middle deliver near term synergies and new workshops and has successfully East are increasingly ground-breaking revenue opportunities over the longer implemented eight training workshops for the entire professional mobile radio term, particularly in ship conversion for crews in floating restaurants, jet ski industry worldwide. The region is at and in areas where POM has existing owners and cruise ships on practical the forefront of the professional mobile expertise. We remain excited about knowledge and efficiency embodying the radio development and Airbus applies its the growth prospects of this business. highest levels of maritime safety. leading hybrid technology, combining “Overall, these transactions will enhance Sameera Asad, Manager, Human Tetra and LTE. our position as a leading maritime Resources Department, DMCA, explains: The Airbus TW1m transmits voice services provider, and we look forward “The rapid development that Dubai and data safely thanks to end-to-end to leveraging on our proven track has been witnessing has compelled encryption and can be incorporated in record to accelerate growth and deliver us to intensify our efforts to secure supervisory systems, custom telemetry stakeholder value.” the future of the sector by developing and position tracking. The TW1m is an highly qualified human resources which extremely secure solution, especially professional training will enhance the competitiveness and when other communication systems are The Dubai Maritime City Authority increase the investments in the local not in operation. recently evaluated the achievements maritime sector. Through the trainings As the TW1m is part of the new of the Dubai Maritime Training Center and workshops, the centre has proved electronic verification system, it (DMTC) in establishing new standards its valuable contribution in assuring contributes to the tracking and for professional maritime training, which Dubai’s leadership in the international identification of registered and is being conducted through integrated maritime map, meeting the needs of un-registered ships off the UAE coast. The training programs designed in maritime stakeholders locally, regionally next generation electronic verification collaboration with international experts and globally. Our most important setup consists of radars, long range in order to adapt to rapid changes achievement is raising the level of cameras, e-passport trackers, location and regionally and internationally. maritime safety on par with global correlation servers as well as command Captain Khamis Weld Ghumail, Director standards, to enhance the performance, and control systems. Atlas has been of Maritime Traffic Management, DMCA efficiency and competitiveness of the operating the first generation of this says: “The Dubai Maritime Training Center maritime sector and position Dubai as a technology for 10 years and is soon to has established a solid foundation for the world-class maritime centre.” establish its new scheme. development of a highly-skilled human resources to advance a secure, sustainable TETRA MODEM TW1M and diverse maritime community, in line with the vision and guidance of our leaders who trust that human strength is essential to building a fully-developed nation. The DMTC is instrumental in establishing the pillars of innovation, knowledge and excellence, a record achievement that pushes Dubai into top five of the world’s most competitive and attractive maritime clusters in 2017.”
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 italian equipment manufacturers 61 ITALIAN JOB
Italian manufacturers and suppliers have been involved in a number of high-profile contracts in recent months
Data Acquisition Software Bastia Umbra-based firm Concetti has recently launched new data acquisition software to support its bagging technology The new software offers management the possibility to supervise and review runs of historical data, by checking the production trends and performance of the bagging machine. This powerful solution is helping to reduce plant shutdown times and increase competitiveness by reducing costs. The system has been developed internally by Concetti engineers and records, monitors and analyses the data provided by Concetti equipment, divided by number of bags, production shifts, operators, time intervals, alarm history and so on. Moreover, the software can acquire data from several Concetti machines, providing a complete view of the production system over time and uses analysis tools to make the process more efficient. It is a pc panel with a touchscreen interface that combines user-friendliness and the ability to track and display data collected by management in real-time. The Data Acquisition Software utilises the industry’s most up-to-date technologies and can be fully customised and installed on any type of machine manufactured by Concetti, providing analysis to improve resource management and plant productivity, reduce costs and increase competitiveness. All machines made by Concetti can also be integrated, interconnected and monitored remotely.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 62 italian equipment manufacturers
Genoa facilities the contractor S.I.C.I. represent a major strapped packs without pallets on to Prysmian Group has recently completed upgrade of port equipment in the ship lorries and eventual automatic stocking. the supply of medium voltage cables repair sector in the port. CAMI technical staff conceived and to be used for the expansion of the Dry manufactured a system that carries out Dock Area in the Port of Genoa. Crane order for genoa an automatic loading cycle, grabbing Prysmian supplied about 35km of Spinelli has ordered another four packs at once directly from the 12/20kV MV cables, of which a first Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor packing line and unloading them on tranche consisted of aluminium and a Crane for its terminal in Genoa. the truck. second one consisted of an optical fibre The Model 7 crane was ordered in Bedeschi is also involved in a submarine cable with galvanised steel August 2017 and will be delivered on project to build the new Turkmenbashi wire armour. site this month. The main role of the international seaport, which will aim to The cables were produced in the machine will be container handling. It be the biggest seaport in the Caspian Pignataro and Merlino plants and is the fifth Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Sea in the next four years. were customised to meet customer Harbor Crane ordered by Spinelli since Bedeschi is the turn-key supplier specifications. The aluminium cables 2013. Roberto Spinelli, Managing of Turkmenbashi, with the supply of were used to supply eight transformer Director of the company, says: “From a complete bulk handling system, cabinets, while the submarine cable the beginning, our Konecranes with two parallel lines, including one was used to provide the 60Hz supply to Gottwald cranes have provided us with for grain. the cabinet of the ship repair area from a particularly high level of performance the 45FV cabinet. and reliability. Cement terminals The submarine installation allowed “They have also helped us to extend Another Italian firm that has been removing a cabinet from the conversion our service portfolio. They allow us expanding worldwide is leading area at the Ship Repair Dock. The supply to serve an ever-growing number cement silos manufacturer Scutti. contract was signed with the contractor of large vessels and handle general The company has developed a high SICI, an Italian company operating in cargo in parallel. The new crane quality range of equipment including the infrastructure and service sector will sustainably boost our handling screw conveyors, dust filters and through the distributor and Prysmian’s capacity and strengthen our leading powder valves to supply a turnkey partner Majorano market position. The crane is an cement storage solution. Maurizio Ciantra, Trade and Installers excellent investment.” Scutti is one of the few companies Sales Manager Prysmian Italy, Gino Gherri, Regional Sales Manager, specialising in manufacturing and comments: ”For Prysmian Italia, this Konecranes Port Solutions comments: installing cost-efficient cement project marked a great result in terms “Spinelli has become one of our terminals for ship unload and track load. of collaboration between our most important customers in Italy. The company’s system engineering offices and our production Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor incorporating bolted silos enables a plants. In fact, we worked with Cranes are their crane technology of large quantity of cement to be stored, the customer to define the final choice. This has much to do with the ensuring a low processing cost due specifications and requirements of fact that each of the cranes is equipped to a simple process engineering. the Prysmian cables. with specific features to meet Spinelli’s Equipment can be easily containerised “After the cable customisation, individual needs. and shipped worldwide using which required a special consultancy “Moreover, the new crane’s very short standard containers. process, our company successfully delivery time of only two months is a signed the contract, confirming its key advantage for Spinelli. It also fulfills biomass solution role as market leader.” the criteria of the Italian innovation law Italian firm Turboden, a group company The Port of Genoa is the largest ‘Industria 4.0’, making it an even more of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, recently Italian port: it extends over 700hm² attractive investment.” received a contract to provide an of land space and 500hm² of water The new crane is a Model 7 ORC system to Maine Woods Pellet, a surface, features 22km of docks and a Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor leading pellet manufacturer based in berth draft between eight and 15m. Crane. It is a two-rope variant offering Athens, Maine. It employs more than 10,000 direct a maximum lifting capacity of 150t and Turboden has supplied a biomass employees, about thirty thousand an outreach of up to 54m. ORC unit to produce 8 MWe, the considering satellite industries. largest biomass solution produced by In addition, the company Società Bedeschi contract Turboden at the moment. The customer Ente Bacini was created to manage Algerian client Briqueterie de la Tafna, utilises wood waste from forestry dry docks and is able to accommodate based in Tlemcen, has awarded Bedeschi operations (logging and sawmill ships up to 270m long and weighing the engineering and installation of two residues) to generate electricity to be 100,000 tons. The facilities built up by automatic systems for the loading of employed in its production process.
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This co-generation plant uses a 60,000-bpd facility will process crude of umbilicals, risers and flowlines novel combination of both exhaust from fields operated by Tullow Oil, (Deep Water SURF) required for the and condenser heat to pre-dry the CNOOC, and Total. development of Block 15/06, located feedstock for the existing pellet plant, Uganda negotiated the US$4bn 350km north west of Luanda and making this the first biomass project to project with Russian RT Global 130km west of Soyo. fully qualify for Massachusetts Standard Resources and South Korean SK Furthermore, in the framework Class 1 regulations for Renewable Engineering & Construction, but of its Maintenance, Modifications Energy Credits . after these fell through, Kampala cast and Operations (MMO) activities, Turboden is a global leader in the its net wider. once again in the Offshore E&C design, manufacture and maintenance The combined experience of Saipem sector, Saipem has acquired from of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems and GE, now that GE has acquired Eni Ghana Exploration & Production suitable for distributed generation, Baker Hughes, tipped the scales in a contract for the engineering, which generate electric and thermal favour of the consortium, which also procurement and construction of the power exploiting multiple sources, includes venture capital company infrastructures needed to boost the such as renewables (biomass, Yaatra Ventures and Intracontinent capacity of the gas stations situated in geothermal energy, solar energy), Asset Holdings. the vicinity of the ports of Takoradi and traditional fuels and waste heat from Eni Angola has awarded Saipem Tema in Ghana. industrial processes, waste incinerators, work orders in relation to the West Hub Finally, among the new acquisitions, a engines or gas turbines. Development project as an addition to contract has been assigned by those previously assigned during 2016 Nord Stream 2 AG for the construction of Saipem deal for uganda and 2017. the last section of the pipeline crossing Uganda has picked a consortium The work, which will be performed the Baltic Sea and the shore approach including General Electric (GE) and by the E&C Offshore division, in Greiswald, Germany. The combined Italy’s Saipem to build and operate the encompasses the construction and value of the above-mentioned new African country’s first oil refinery. The subsequent installation in deep waters contracts is approximately US$370m.
BULK TERMINALS international |AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 64 EVENTS The not-to-be-missed events for all those in the industry
24-26 OCTOBER 2017 07-10 NOVEMBER 2017 01-02 FEBRUARY 2018 OVERVIEW OF PARTICULATE EUROPORT COALTRANS USA HANDLING SHORT COURSE ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS MIAMI, US GREENWICH, UK www.europort.nl www.coaltrans.com/usa/details.html www.gre.ac.uk/engsci/research/groups/ wolfsoncentre/home 14-16 NOVEMBER 2017 07-09 FEBRUARY 2018 GLOBAL GRAIN GENEVA MVTTC, NEW ORLEANS GENEVA, SWITZERLAND NEW ORLEANS, US www.globalgrainevents.com/geneva/ www.mvttc.com details.html 13-15 MARCH 2018 18-19 NOVEMBER 2017 INTERMODAL SOUTH AMERICA COALTRANS EMERGING ASIAN SAO PAULO, BRAZIL MARKETS http://10times.com/ HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM intermodal-south-america www.coaltrans.com/emerging-asian-coal- markets/details.html 01-03 MAY 2018 MULTIMODAL 2018 BIRMINGHAM, UK www.multimodal.org.uk 04-08 JUNE 2018 25-27 OCTOBER 2017 POSIDONIA ATHENS, GREECE WORLD COAL LEADERS NETWORK www.eventseye.com/fairs/f-posido- SITGES, SPAIN nia-14329-1.html www.coaltrans.com/world-coal-conference/ details.html 31 OCTOBER 2017 – 01 NOVEMBER 2017 BULK TERMINALS 2017: ACHIEVING EFFICIENCY AND COMPLIANCE 30 NOVEMBER 2017 LONDON, UK FEPORT THIRD ANNUAL www.bulkterminals.org STAKEHOLDERS' CONFERENCE See page 7 for more information BRUSSELS, BELGIUM www.feport.eu 01-02 NOVEMBER 2017 01 FEBRUARY 2018 ASIAN SUGAR BALI, INDONESIA COALTRANS 04-07 SEPTEMBER 2018 www.aiscsugar.com INDIA SMM, HAMBURG www.coaltrans.com HAMBURG, GERMANY www.smm-hamburg.com
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