Author: Lieven Bauwens

All grab-type ship unloading systems have differing strenghts and weaknesses. Dockside grab discharge of dry bulk cargo can either be carried out by high-capacity, purpose-built grab gantry unloaders or by lower-capacity (generally), but more versatile slewing cranes, whether fixed, rail-mounted, rubber-tyred or pontoon-mounted. Mobile harbour cranes have long played an important role in mainstream bulk handling. For smaller ships and barges, the “new generation” of mobile (or rail-mounted) hydraulic unloaders, featuring a grabber device attached via a flexible link directly...

Africa E-Crane has recently delivered a mid-stream transfer station for Seaboard Corp (US), for their Midema (Minoterie De Matadi, flour mill) ship unloading project in Matadi, Democratic Republic of Congo. In Matadi, the farthest inland harbour on the Congo River, Seaboard was faced with major port congestion problems and outdated, neglected port infrastructure. Seaboard Midema North America E-Crane International is currently installing barge handling systems for AEP Kyger Creek, AEP Clifty Creek and Power South (AEC Lowman) providing a complete solution to their material handling...

In small ports around the world, the ever increasing need to offload bulk materials such as coal and limestone at rates from 300 to 2,000 tons (272 to 1,814 t) per hour and do it as economically as possible calls for modern equipment with greater efficiency than can be provided by many of the older cranes still in operation today. Most of these older cranes are at or near the end of their life cycle; cable replacement is a never ending ordeal; and highly skilled operators are required. Modern cable cranes have hydraulic winches, but are still cable operated. This means there is still cable...