TBA GroupGeneva DryBühler GmbHCimbriaSailors SocietyTelestack
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Vigan
  • TBA Group
  • Van Aalst
  • Telestack

E-Crane and containerised bulk handling

E-Crane and containerised bulk handling

(Posted on 12/11/20)

A 4000C Series E-Crane with 42 meter outreach and 52 ton capacity has been successfully commissioned in the port of Ust-Luga in the Gulf of Finland, about 110 kilometres west of St. Petersburg. This 600 tons weighing giant crane will be mainly used for loading containerized bulk such as fertilizer, iron ore and HBI into ocean going vessels up to Panamax size.

Containerized Bulk Handling (CBH) technology is found in specialized bulk export ports. Using containers bulk can be transported by rail from a remote mine or production facility, then temporarily stored at the export terminal without having to unload the container and finally moved for loading to the ship using the same container. This concept allows the entire logistics chain from extraction to ship loading to be optimized using standardized container technology with minimal container (re)handling. The main benefit from introducing containerized bulk technology is a significant reduction of terminal expenses and overall increased terminal performance. Literature mentions savings from 20 up to 50% in equipment and labor. At the same time CBH is environmentally friendly (low dust emissions, no open air quay stacking of materials) and it eliminates cargo loss.

For loading the first vessel with the E-Crane, bulk materials were offloaded from railcars and loaded into the special-purpose open-top 20-foot containers. Once loaded, these containers were moved to the quay by terminal trucks using special designed dual 20 foot terminal chassis.The E-Crane subsequently picked the containers from the trailer bed using a revolving spreader. The entire content of the container was dumped into the ship by rotating the container 360 degrees. In order to avoid damage to the cargo and reducing dust emissions at the same time, the containers were lowered into the ship’s hold and an operator controlled container rotation assured what is called ‘bulk cargo soft loading’. Once emptied the container was quickly placed back on the trailer.

E-Crane created a versatile ‘crane tool management system’ allowing the crane to work with a multitude of different spreaders and grabs. The crane is equipped with a well-proven E-Crane rotator and quick-disconnect allowing to switch quickly between spreader/hook and grab thereby offering unprecedented versatility and flexibility to the terminal operator.

The crane operating at the Ust-Luga terminal has a high gantry portal allowing for free travel on the quay side thereby reducing costly dock space. E-Crane managing director ir. Lieven Bauwens said: “For this complex containerized bulk handling application E-Crane developed unique mechanical, hydraulic and software technology to speed-up and facilitate accurate container positioning. As always at E-Crane we kept the interface between crane and operator simple and straight forward allowing the operator to focus 100% on the job at hand. One more time E-Crane showed that complex technology should not make life more difficult. On the contrary! Our state-of-the-art technology has the single purpose to make the life of terminal- and crane operators more easy in ever more demanding and complex port operations.”

Latest News

Marcor Stevedoring receives new LHM 800

(Posted on 25/03/24)

Contributing to a greener bulk industry. And no Diesel engine is needed. The LHM 800 will do its work... Read more


Need for new safety rules for methanol fuelled vessels revealed

(Posted on 25/03/24)

A new fire safety study by global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec has revealed that... Read more


Cargill shares outcome of first wind-powered ocean vessel’s maiden voyage

(Posted on 18/03/24)

Cargill has revealed exciting results of the six-month test period of the Pyxis Ocean, underscoring... Read more


Alfa Laval fluidic air lubrication system secures first MoU with Korean shipyard

(Posted on 15/03/24)

Alfa Laval has collaborated with a Korean shipbuilding company by signing the first Memorandum of Understanding... Read more


Fuelink platform provides one-stop shop for bunker data management

(Posted on 15/03/24)

Fuelink, a maritime technology provider has launched its new digital platform providing a one-stop shop... Read more


ClassNK endorsement for “ACE Function” developed by TOKYO KEIKI

(Posted on 10/03/24)

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions*1 to a straight leg course... Read more


OTG acquires Danish regulation compliance specialist

(Posted on 10/03/24)

Ocean Technologies Group (OTG), the leading global provider of Human Capital Management solutions for... Read more


Viking Life-Saving Equipment appoints new CEO

(Posted on 29/02/24)

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S, a global leader in maritime, offshore and fire safety solutions, has... Read more


Superior TeleStacker Conveyor Automation made easier to use

(Posted on 28/02/24)

Superior Industries, Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and... Read more


AI takes optical sorting to new levels of efficiency and quality

(Posted on 28/02/24)

With the brand-new AI powered software, BRAINTM, Cimbria has introduced a highly advanced control system... Read more


Van AalstViganPort of StocktonPort of South LouisianaTMS Awards 2023
  • Port of Stockton
  • Sailors Society
  • TMS Awards 2023

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping