Small Ports - Case Study

Alotau Stevedoring & Transport Limited

Background

Alotau Stevedoring & Transport Limited handle containers from the ship’s side into the Receiving & Delivery (R&D) zone behind the main shed at the back of the quay.

Current Situation

Ships calling are geared.  Geared ships have the unique capability of unloading their own cargo, thus making them especially useful in bringing goods to developing nations and ports with inadequate or non-existent cargo handling facilities.  They drop containers directly onto the quayside. 

Containers are picked up and moved around behind the main shed for R&D or unpacking.  Conversely, empty containers are also moved back around to ships side.

Problems

The quay is old and weight rating was very questionable.  

A heavy fork operation is therefore not an option, without considerable expense, which was not a realistic option.  They had an elderly Abu Container Lifter which was not self propelled, cumbersome and unreliable.  With the single old Abu Lifter, there was a major lack of flexibility in the operation. 

When vessels are in port, containers must be moved as safely and quickly as possible.  A quicker turnaround of ships would save the port money.

Solution

They purchased the Mobicon Container Handler as it provides:

• The lowest full operating ground pressures of any container lifter available and was therefore able to operate fully loaded on the existing quayside, without the need for expensive upgrading.
• Flexibility, as it is self-powered and able to negotiate fully the existing site.
• Increased safety moving containers only 30cm from the ground and on twistlocks.

Benefits

• No expensive upgrading of wharf surface required.
• Cost efficient container handling, much lower cost than a container forklift or a reach stacker.
• Turn around times of ships improved, saving major demurrage costs.
• Safety improved, as the Mobicon moves containers at only 300mm off the ground

Learn how the Mobicon can help your organisation

Would you like our Specialist Sales Representative to contact you?