
The Challenge:
Handling 5.3 Million Tons of Bauxite in Just Seven Months
Global Materials Services needed a faster and more efficient solution for unloading bauxite transported by barge along the Orinoco River. The existing ship unloaders required extensive maintenance and were unable to achieve the required production levels. Adding to the challenge, approximately 5.3 million tons of bauxite must be handled within just seven months, because the Orinoco becomes too shallow for barge transportation during the dry season. This creates an intensive operating window in which unloading equipment must perform reliably 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“This is the real test for material handling equipment. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 7 months straight. For equipment to hold up as well as the E-Crane in this environment, I would say it has PhD credentials! I really like the E-Crane concept and execution. The machine is easy to operate and maintenance friendly.”
Mr. Louis Mok
The Solution:
Reliable Floating Barge Unloading for Intensive Operations
Global Materials Services replaced its previous ship unloaders with two E-Cranes designed to meet the demanding production schedule on the Orinoco River. Installed on a floating platform, the cranes provide a direct and efficient transfer of bauxite from incoming barges into two receiving hoppers.
The solution includes:
BUSINESS OUTCOME

