Sandwell is among the world’s most experienced firms in materials handling across the waterfront. For more than 100 shiploader and loading boom projects around the globe we have provided design, specifications and procurement, or full EPC or EPCM contracts.
We have designed or developed shiploader specifications for a wide array of bulk commodities, solid and liquid, for vessels ranging from 2,000 DWT barges up to 250,000 DWT bulk carriers, at loading rates up to 16,000 t/h. We are conversant with all types of shiploaders, including fixed, shuttle, radial, linear, orbital, quadrant and dual quadrant, tower, travelling and multi-spout.
Innovations in shiploader design
Sandwell has developed a number of design innovations for shiploaders. The mobile shiploader we developed for Kuwait National Petroleum more than two decades ago was one of the first of its kind, and we were the first to develop a dual quadrant shiploader system. More recently, the single-quadrant shiploader we installed at the Collahuasi copper terminal in Iquique, Chile featured an enclosed tubular boom for dust and spillage containment.
Shiploaders vary widely in size, loading rate and cost. The optimal loading rate for a terminal is governed by factors such as ship size, annual throughput, environmental standards and the commodities being moved. While the traveling shiploader is probably the most common worldwide because of its relatively modest cost and full vessel coverage, the marine structure and access conveyor costs associated with this shiploader can be high.
Dual quadrant systems
The Sandwell-designed dual quadrant shiploader has proved to be very successful for large vessels in particular, providing more even loading, reduced hatch change time and the increased security of a dual system, often at a lower overall cost of shiploaders and marine structures. Dust control is also relatively easier with a dual quadrant system.
In the context of a master plan for a port or marine terminal, shiploaders are generally only a small part of the total cost. But a handling system can make or break a terminal, and the shiploader is a vital component of that mechanical main artery that moves products onto vessels.
Westshore Terminals Ltd. (Canada)
Largest bulk terminal on the west coast of the Americas
Sandwell was responsible for the development of Westshore Terminals Ltd. (Canada), the largest bulk terminal on the west coast of the Americas. The terminal moves 24 million tonnes of coal annually using both dual quadrant and traveling shiploaders either designed or specified by Sandwell. For this gantry-frame traveling 7,000 t/h shiploader for 250,000 DWT vessels, we supplied basic design, specifications and commissioning.
P.T. Kaltim Prima Coal (Indonesia)
4,700 t/h dual quadrant shiploaders for 180,000 DWT coal-carrying vessels
P.T. Kaltim Prima Coal (Indonesia) uses 4,700 t/h dual quadrant shiploaders for 180,000 DWT coal-carrying vessels. As part of our involvement with the planning of the terminal’s development, we provided layout and performance specifications for the shiploaders. The access trestle visible beyond the ship extends 2.4 km back to the shore, and carries a roadway and conveyor system.
Ridley Terminals Inc. (Canada)
6,500 t/h dual quadrant coal shiploaders for 220,000 DWT ships
Sandwell’s EPCM contract for Ridley Terminals Inc. (Canada) included detailed design of these 6,500 t/h dual quadrant coal shiploaders for 220,000 DWT ships. The two loaders have a combined rate of 10,000 t/h and weigh only 700 tonnes each. This relatively light weight reduces the capital costs of both the shiploader and the supporting marine structures.
Richards Bay Coal Terminal in South Africa
7,000 t/h traveling shiploader for 250,000 DWT ships
With an annual throughput of 62 million tonnes, Richards Bay Coal Terminal in South Africa is the largest in the world. Sandwell played a leading role in the first three phases of the terminal’s development and the Master Plan for further expansions. This 7,000 t/h traveling shiploader for 250,000 DWT ships is one of three for which we provided design definition, specifications and commissioning.
Minera Escondida Ltda. (Chile)
1,500 t/h single-hatch shuttling shiploader for 45,000 DWT ships
For the copper concentrates of Minera Escondida Ltda. (Chile), Sandwell supplied the detailed design of an economical 1,500 t/h single-hatch shuttling shiploader for 45,000 DWT ships.
Prince Rupert Grain Ltd. (Canada)
2,200 t/h tower-mounted shiploading booms
Sandwell provided detailed design of three 2,200 t/h tower-mounted shiploading booms for Prince Rupert Grain Ltd. (Canada).
