Cargill Fertilizer Houston

The Challenge:
Integrating High-Capacity Ship Unloading into a Restricted Dock

Cargill needed a purpose-built bulk unloading solution capable of efficiently handling fertilizer and grain from both ocean-going barges and bulk carriers up to Panamax size. The installation itself presented a significant engineering challenge: available dock space was limited, and the dock extended 100 ft into the Houston Ship Channel. At the same time, another contractor was installing the receiving hopper and overhead conveyor, requiring careful coordination between multiple teams. The crane therefore had to meet Cargill’s operational requirements while being installed within a highly constrained and active project environment.

“this second E-Crane purchase by Cargill is part of our on going commitment to improve customer service and increase fertilizer volume at our facilities”.

Ricky Carlson – Cargill Wholesale Fertilizer Manager

The Solution:
Purpose-Built Bulk Handling for the Houston Ship Channel

E-Crane International USA worked closely with Cargill management to engineer a solution specifically around the requirements of the Houston operation. Careful planning and new assembly methods allowed the installation team to overcome the challenging dock conditions while completing the E-Crane installation on time.

The solution includes:

A 1500 Series / 8359 PD-E E-Crane with 118 ft / 35.9 m reach, designed for unloading ocean-going barges and bulk carriers up to Panamax size.
Two application-specific grabs: an 8 yd³ / 6.1 m³ grab for phosphates and a 9.6 yd³ / 7.3 m³ grab for oats and urea, providing flexibility across different bulk commodities.
A free standing pedestal configuration with a 10.5 UStons / 9.5 Mtons lift capacity, engineered around the restricted dock layout.
A 300-hp / 225 kW electric motor, providing electric-powered bulk handling for Cargill’s fertilizer and grain unloading operation.