Ultrafertil at the double

Three bridge-type grab bulk cargo unloaders have arrived at Beibu Gulf Port, advancing the port’s largest bulk cargo berth development.

Through Port Supplies Srl in Modena, Terminal Rinfuse Genova (TRGE – Genoa Bulk Terminal) has acquired a new 5.5 m3 mechanical clamshell grab from Peiner SMAG.

New orders for grab ship-unloaders are thin on the ground at the moment, but there is still business in upgrading existing cranes.

While Chinese demand for grab unloaders has abated, there is still interest in high performance designs, as well as more flexible multipurpose machines.

High throughput grab unloaders serve a specific and relatively small market, focusing more on expansion and new terminal projects than replacement, but automation may change this approach.

Although the gradual demise of bulk ship unloading by grab was being predicted in the 1990s for reasons of its inefficiency and environmental unacceptability, this cargo handling concept not only continues to be widely employed but is currently enjoying a renaissance thanks to recent technical advances.