The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Siwertell unloader to serve Brazilian agri-bulk

(Posted on 15/04/21)

Bruks Siwertell has won an order from Brazilian operator, Novo Remanso Port Terminal (TPNR), for a Siwertell screw-type ship unloader to serve its grain-handling export operations in northern Brazil, on the banks of the Amazon River. Four other, individually owned Siwertell ship unloaders already serve the buoyant agricultural market in Brazil, discharging millions of metric tons of grains, cereals, corn and soybean every year.

“This contract really was won on the basis of three very strong elements,” says Patrik Henryson, Sales Manager, Bruks Siwertell. “Firstly, Siwertell ship unloaders have many successful references in Brazil for reliably handling all types of agricultural foodstuffs. Secondly, they offer very good environmental credentials, and thirdly, their through-life operational costs far out-perform all other systems on the market.

“Grab cranes may be a cheaper initial investment, but they are certainly not the most cost-effective option in the long run, over a full, active service life,” explains Henryson. “Siwertell ship unloaders, however, offer an extremely cost-efficient solution. High volumes of grain not only demand reliable equipment, with good operational performance and through-ship efficiency, but on top of that, our systems offer something that no other mechanical ship unloader, like a grab crane, can offer; they maintain and ensure the quality of grain shipments by minimizing any dry bulk material degradation through careful handling.

“They are also totally enclosed, which eliminates any waste through spillage, and ensures dust-free operations and environmental protection,” he adds.

Like other Siwertell ship unloaders operating in the region, the ST 790-M unit will be fitted onboard a floating barge, demonstrating the benefits of its low weight. The unloaders will offer a continuous rated capacity of 1,700t/h for handling soya beans and corn.

“Novo Remanso wants its new ship unloader to be in operation as soon as possible and plans for it to be in service for at least 20 years. It will be in good company, as some of the other Brazilian Siwertell unloaders have been operating for well over two decades,” concludes Henryson.

The new ship unloader will be supplied in component parts and assembled for operation in Manaus, the largest city in the Brazilian state of Amazonas in northern Brazil, significantly in land on the Amazon River. It is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2021.