DOWN UNDER ON THE UP: AUSTRALIA REGIONAL REPORT

Outloading canola from a Viterra bunker in South Australia. Australian Regional Report

Jay Venter

Kilic Engineering supplying handling solutions to Australia and beyond

With a record cereal crop handled in Australia over the 2021/2022 season, coupled with strong grain prices, the grain industry in the country is extremely buoyant with continued growth experienced by grain handlers and through the grain handling supply chain.

Despite the volume of grain breaking records, competition amongst handlers is increasing. The major bulk handlers, namely CBH, Viterra and GrainCorp, with their history in nationalized bulk handling bodies or farmer co-operatives have been joined by several entrepreneurial players. The new players’ backgrounds range from commodity traders to milling companies to transport and logistics specialists with all seeing an opportunity to take on the big guys.

When Croatian immigrant Tony Kilic started the Kilic Engineering (KE) business in Southern Australia in the early 1970s, one of his first customers was the statebased monopoly bulk grain handling business, South Australian Co-operative Bulk Handling Limited (SACBH), which owned and operated all that state’s 112 inland grain receival sites and seven export bulk grain terminals.

KE’s first work with the bulk handler was to provide a conveying system into one of its port facilities and once this project was completed on time and well below budget, an immediate trust and loyalty was developed between the two organizations.

So strong was the association that was formed between KE and the SACBH team in those early years, that almost five decades on, KE continues to be a major provider of bulk material handling equipment to SACBH’s successor, Global Agri-business Viterra Ltd.

Although Viterra have been challenged during periods of rapid expansion and more recent consolidation phases, KE continues to provide ongoing support and new material handling equipment to their business. True to its core, KE has maintained a healthy relationship with its major client to ensure that Viterra can continue to provide a world class storage and handling system for its grower and export customers.

For the 2022/23 upcoming grain harvest, Viterra have purchased multiple KE BunkerStacker receival machines, with capacities ranging from 600 to 750tph (tonnes per hour), to its existing fleet of almost 100 units.

As mentioned earlier, competition for export handling services is on the increase across Australia, with South Australia attracting much attention given to its consistently high annual volumes of export grain, with only a small domestic market operating within the State. Trader and Handler, ADM has joined T-Ports, Cargill

Bunker stackers used at T-Ports’ receival operations in South Australia.

and Semaphore Container Services (SCS) in establishing handling and export operations from SA.

Faithful to its founder’s approach, KE has set about building relationships with these new entrants. As they worked to crystalize their ambition to take on the entrenched competitor, they turned to KE for market leading gear. KE has delivered, either in the form of BunkerStacker receival equipment or port-based equipment to assist in the export task.

This year, T-Ports is constructing a new export terminal operation at Wallaroo which is planned to be in operation for this coming harvest, with KE supplying the company with several new BunkerStacker 3000 machines (600tph each) for their open bulk storage grower intake operations being constructed at that port.

Cargill Australia, having recently established its own export shipping operations out of Port Adelaide, is also increasing its receival intake capacity this year, with an order for multiple KE machines likely and with these machines complementing over 20 machines provided by KE to that business in Australia.

Whilst ADM continue to utilize KE’s equipment to provide competition to other handlers, Semaphore Container Services, which operates a small port storage and

A 600tph BunkerStacker 3000 Big Roo being operated by Bunge staff in Western Australia. shiploading facility at Osborne in SA, is looking to increase its port storage capacity with KE currently providing intake and elevation design services for this project.

In Western Australia, the grain giant Cooperative Bulk Handling (CBH) is coming off a record 21.5 million tonne grain crop in 2021/22 and is looking at

another above average harvest this year.

KE has supported CBH’s operations in recent years with the supply of multi-loader stacker (MLS) machines and drive over grid stackers (DOG stackers), these machines being CBH designed staples across its extensive network of sites. The quality and service from KE underpins this growing business relationship, with KE set to manufacture more equipment through 2022/23 as CBH grapples with the challenge of record-breaking WA harvests.

CBH’s only competition for export services is another global major agribusiness in Bunge, who have established an export facility in Bunbury, West Australia and two inland receival sites to support their export operations. KE has previously provided Bunge with machines from its BunkerStacker range and this year has already delivered machines to complement Bunge’s service offering to growers.

In Eastern Australia, Emerald Grain and Riordan Grain Services (RGS) provide competition to the major operator GrainCorp in the State of Victoria with Emerald utilizing KE equipment extensively at its Melbourne Port and upcountry receival operations. RGS compete with GrainCorp for export volumes from the Geelong Port and also at the Victorian Port of Portland. A new service provider, the Port of Portland themselves are now offering export ship loading services to customers competing with the existing providers RGS and GrainCorp.

New South Wales has competitive port offerings at Port Kembla and Newcastle with Qube Agri owning the Quattro port at Port Kembla and recently acquired Newcastle Agri Terminal (NAT) challenging the incumbent GrainCorp for export volumes. KE is fortunate to have worked with both organizations in recent years, including the provision of a new conveyor system to Qube Agri’s Coonamble up country facility this year. In addition to these two major exporters in NSW, KE is working closely with Australian Agri-business Manildra Group, supplying BunkerStackers to its receival sites in 2021, whilst food business Fletcher International has been utilizing KE services to upgrade its storage and handling facilities at Dubbo during 2021/2022, with further work proposed for the near future. The growing demand for high quality Australian Grains, oilseeds and pulses has seen ongoing enhancements to the country’s existing infrastructure in addition to new capital investment in the supply chain and KE is proud to be an integral part of providing engineering solutions to most of the bulk grain handlers in this country. In addition to its Australian customers, KE has recently branched out to provide Asian customers in Vietnam and Japan with handling solutions specific to their requirements.

KE’s Super Roo (750tph) in operation by CBH in WA.

In a joint statement by The Queensland Government’s Premier and Minister for the Olympics, The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, The Honourable Mark Bailey, it was announced that The Port of Mackay is heading for a record-equalling year of trade, the best in ten years, as the Palaszczuk Government’s economic recovery powers on.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert today visited the port which is a critical supply link for the local and state economy.

“The Port of Mackay has clocked up more than 3mt [million tonnes] of cargo so far this financial year which [represents] 24% growth on the same time as last year,” the Premier said.

“It’s on track to reach more than 3.3mt by the end of June, which would equal its record trade and be the most in the last decade.

“The Port of Mackay is an essential gateway linking Central Queensland to the world, servicing mining and agricultural industries and a critical supply link for the economic powerhouse of the Bowen Basin.

“A strong port means jobs and a strong economy for the region. It supports 2,100 trade jobs and pumps $3.5 billion into the economy.”

Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert said the great result at the Port of Mackay was underpinned by strong mining and agricultural industries in the region. “The port’s top three traded commodities are fuel, sugar, and breakbulk,” Gilbert said.

“Breakbulk cargo volumes in the year to date are also 25% higher than the same period last year.

“In April alone, we saw more than 250,000 tonnes of cargo go through the Port – going from strength to strength at every step.”

The Premier also announced that Queensland-based V2R Projects has been awarded a $4 million contract to upgrade one of the Ports wharves.

“This $4 million upgrade will see the western approach deck to Wharf Five removed and replaced – building better infrastructure for the port,” the Premier said.

“This project will be directly supporting 30 local jobs and create a pipeline of work across regional Queensland.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to keeping Queensland ports in the hands of Queenslanders, we’re seeing the dividend flow through where it’s needed.

“Having strong, state-owned assets doing so well, year on year, despite the global disruptions is fantastic to see,” he said.

“While we expect to see some impacts due to global supply chain disruptions, the central drivers supporting trade in the region surrounding the Port of Mackay remain strong.”

North Queensland Bulk Ports is a Queensland Government-owned corporation also responsible for the strategic ports of Abbot Point, Hay Point and Weipa in far north Queensland.

Wearnetics, asset wear-maintenance using real-time data

Wearnetics is a state-of-the-art technology designed by BMH Global Design specifically as a wear-maintenance strategy to reduce total operating cost. BMHg streamlines the reporting process by harvesting real-time data to expedite corrective action to return best possible asset performance.

EVOLUTION OF WEARNETICS The team at BMHg has been in mining for a long time and designed all forms of transfer chute systems for many projects around the globe. They noticed some very repetitive conclusions every time. No product or service existed to inform users of the real operating condition of their assets. BMHg formed a notion something could be done and started investing. Wearnetics was born.

BENEFITS OF WEARNETICS Compared to conventional autonomous wear-maintenance techniques, Wearnetics does not need a cluster of electrical cables to work. It works with wireless technology. v It uses a dense cluster of sensors to increase image resolution. Current systems on the market use sensors at long separation distances. v It interfaces with existing wear consumables as the Wearnetics system incorporates a flexible and low profile design that complements the asset. In other words, plug and play. It can operate even when the material

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v is flowing, eliminate the need to stop your operation, isolate, clean. Most importantly, performing high risk work in confined spaces is eliminated. Activities traditionally associated with wear data collection is a thing of the past. It delivers mass data at the user’s fingertips. BMHg has developed an innovative online service that any mine manager, superintendent, planner and engineer can access real information anytime and anywhere. Wearnetics will tell users how their assets are performing and autonomously recommends corrective actions. Its online solver platform is autonomous. The Wearnetics solver will connect the user with a comprehensive dashboard where the user will have access to real graphical and metric performance data. The online solver will prepare a drawing package in a matter of minutes and the wear consumable supply chain process begins at a fast and accurate pace. It is designed for mobility. Depending

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on budget, BMHg can offer an application so users can access their information on their terms.

GET MORE DONE WITH MOBILITY Wearnetics is designed for mobility. Information is everything in a fast-paced mining operation. Planning and decision making is an integral part of business. BMHg helps by producing tools that make operations more efficient. BMHg will save time and in the process will also save money for the user. The Wearnetics app syncs with the wireless sensor network neatly concealed behind the wear consumable to feedback instant metrics on asset performance.

REGIONAL REPORT Online scanning from RTI cleans up the bulk handling industry

AllScan analyser in situ on a conveying system.

RTI – Real Time Instruments (RTI) is an Australia-based company specializing in online elemental and moisture analysis of bulk materials, providing operators with process data to make pro-active real-time control decisions to improve plant efficiency and bottom-line profitability.

From its beginnings as an instrument service provider to the Australian coal industry, RTI has steadily grown and diversified into a high-tech manufacturer and supplier of on-line measurement and analysis equipment to the global mining, mineral processing, power generation, cement production and food industries. RTI’s customers range from small food processing facilities to large multinational mining and power generation companies on all continents.

With a vast global network of reputable business partners on all continents, RTI can provide customers with excellent service and sales support ranging from on-site technical services to remote diagnostic and calibration expertise.

RTI’s on-line analysers utilize the latest technology to measure the chemical composition, density, and moisture content of bulk material as the product is transported on a conveyor belt. RTI’s ability to pivot its onshore manufacturing production line, allow for easy customization to existing products to facilitate the analysis of products in hoppers, screw-feeders, chutes, and pipes in addition to standardized conveying systems.

SIGNATURE PRODUCT RTI’s product line includes: v AllScan n-Gen v AllScan v MoistScan v AshScan v Gammascan v WeighScan v Digital Density v Digital Point Level v TankTel

RTI’s signature product, the AllScan® Elemental Analyser, measures the chemical composition of raw material in cement production, steel production, coal, iron ore, and most minerals. In its design, RTI took into account the current needs of mining and mineral processing companies, especially in light of sustainability and NetZero imperatives. The AllScan® has been designed to maximize the number of gamma rays reaching the detectors from the material analysed, easy installation and maintenance. Only weighing about 1.2 tonnes, the AllScan® is able to be bolted to the conveyor structure — expensive infrastructure is not required to install the analyser.

MoistScan®, the world’s most popular online microwave moisture analyser, measures the moisture content in a wide range of materials. The AshScan® coal quality analyser measures total ash content in coal. The GammaScan® also measures total ash content but does not require a nuclear source. RTI’s DD-1000 nonintrusive Digital Density Gauge measures the density of liquids and slurries in pipes. RTI services and distributes a large range of high-performance belt weighers, Tectron’s tramp metal detectors, and the MARS tramp metal removal system.

RTI systems act as: v PGNAA elemental analysers v neutron generated elemental analysers v dual energy coal quality analysers v microwave moisture analysers v tramp metal removal systems v belt scales v density gauges v metal detectors

RTI’s high-quality analysers equip its customers with powerful process analytics to assist in exceeding revenue, yield and production targets while reducing carbon footprint. Improved efficiency, tighter quality control and reduced emissions help RTI customers to reach Net-Zero targets.

Head of Research and Innovation Robin Sheehy, with Research and Innovation Engineer Bradley Roper with RTI’s world-first AllScan n-Gen about to be deployed and commissioned to a coal mine in the Bowen Basin, in Queensland, Australia.

RTI collects and delivers on-line realtime data to operators, meaning they can make critical decisions — on the spot, when it matters. Using RTI systems enables operations to achieve maximum yield, and real-time results.

All products are designed, developed and manufactured in Mackay, in regional Queensland, and shipped to more than 1,200 analysers at sites across every continent, worldwide.

INTRODUCTION TO ALLSCAN N-GEN The PGNAA (prompt gamma neutron activation analysis) technology was introduced to the cement market in the late 1980s; however, the market breakthrough did not happen until some years later when the original vertical chute arrangement was replaced by the ‘cross belt’ analysis concept. Today, PGNAA is without doubt fully acknowledged as the leading on-line analysis concept for cement raw materials with several hundred successful installations for stockpile and raw mill applications all over the globe. In addition to the cross belt approach, other notable developments for PGNAA in the cement industry include the introduction of the neutron tube and the multiple calibration curve concept to deal with varying belt loads.

In the last decade, RTI’s Research and Development team took this technology and built on it by means of a sophisticated new analytical calculation methodology concept. Resulting, was Realtime Instruments’ (RTI) new AllScan® analyser, which introduced the ‘smart’ next generation PGNAA, offering a number of revolutionary and significant technical advantages and a lower cost of operation compared to conventional calculation concepts.

Now, with an eye to the future — and to sustainability, safety and net-zero targets across the broad spectrum of industries to which RTI’s analysers are deployed — a new generation of cleaner, safer analysers has emerged — and it’s a world first.

The AllScan n-Gen elemental analyser is a game changer. The n-Gen (which stands for neutron generator, not next generation!) is the first elemental analyser, with a long-life neutron generator, in the world.

ALLSCAN® N-GEN No other analyser is as powerful or reliable as n-Gen across industries including: v clean power generation v mining and processing v cement v alternative industries and biofuels v steel Production

In conclusion, RTI’s AllScan elemental analysers have a proven track record across the cement, coal, power generation and minerals sectors. More than 80 AllScan and AllScan n-Gen elemental analysers have been sold for these industrial applications since the analyser was commercially released in 2012.

Now, ten years later, RTI is commercializing the ground-breaking n-Gen and the early indicators are extremely promising. Add to the number of successful installations — which fully document the above outlined advantages of AllScan’s analytical calculation concepts over more conventional approaches — the commissioning of 18 of these analysers throughout India in the power generation industry, and a number commissioned specifically for cement application. With such a strong uptake, across a broad spectrum of industries, the technology is proving, time and again, its role in returning maximum yield and delivering real-time results for customer operations.

Here alone, the AllScan and AllScan n-Gen elemental analysers are proved to have paid for themselves within only a few months’ operation. Of course, benefit rates will vary according to each site’s respective operational parameters, but our analysers are saving our customers millions of dollars in operational costs, reduced penalties, reduced waste and higher rates of recovery.

With a background as a dedicated online analysis instrumentation company with an existing range of other on-line analysis products designed for harsh industrial applications, RTI is now active on the market with a number of cement projects.

Lower cost of ownership coupled with a number of innovative, smart performance enhancing features are the deliverables of the new AllScan® PGNA(A) analyser.

DRAWBACKS OF TRADITIONAL SAMPLING There have been a number of case studies in which the comparison has been made to establish the reliability of traditional sampling methods, on the one hand, and real-time, continuous analysis, on the other, in capturing data on variability of chemical composition of coal at a coal washery in Australia. Without question, amongst more recent studies, one whose findings have been referenced globally, involved a conventional sampling method and RTI’s’ AllScan, cross belt ore analyser. The AllScan employs Prompt Gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA), which penetrates through the depth of the material on the conveyor belt. In PGNAA, a neutron, based above or beneath the conveyor, generates neutrons that are absorbed by the material to reveal its elemental spectra. Continuously, it measures what is on the belt through the cross-section, the full width.

The findings indicated that the AllScan excelled, producing detailed insight on process performance, the required data of ore on the conveyor belt consistently. On the other hand, the traditional sampling method fell short. In the most part, the traditional sampling method was erratic, producing patches of data of a limited scope, which, if utilized, could result in wrong decisions, leading to valuable concentrations of metals going to waste. This is the last thing a mining company would expect to experience. In an industry, where accuracy is the currency, techniques that rely on guesswork are a definite no-no.

CONTINUOUS, REAL-TIME ANALYSIS: CONVENIENCE AND ACCURACY Recognizing the comparative advantages that real-time continuous, online analysis brings and the possibilities that it has opened, it is not surprising that the technique is gaining traction in the mining and mineral processing sectors. The main benefits which the technology offers are convenience and accuracy. v Convenience: cross belt analysers are convenient — scanning the material on the rock continuously, sending readings rapidly to process control and production management systems.

Sometimes, if needs be, the data can be stored in the cloud for future retrieval. Above and beyond, the data can be sent to the mine, so that necessary adjustments to the mining operations can be made, if necessary. Accuracy: ultimately, the online

Calibration Analyst Daley Smeltzer shown with RTI’s MoistScan.

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analysis can eliminate sample preparation errors caused by inherent bias common in conventional sampletaking methods. This ensures accuracy and integrity of the data gathered. Additionally, it decreases the total volume of samples that would have had to be taken within processing plant sections.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR APPLICATION Ongoing research and development initiatives promise more opportunities opening up exploring the application of continuous, real-time, online analysis. To date, the use of online analysers, with reference to the AllScan, in ensuring that the ore from one stage to another is within specified parameters far earlier than other instruments has been ground-breaking.

The AllScan can also be used in slurry analysis — measuring the elemental concentration of the slurry as it passes through its measurement zone.

Usage in the back end of mineral processing, though not very common, merits highlighting. For instance, the analysers can be used in grade control, in particular, ensuring that only premier grade ore is shipped to markets. It is inconceivable to waste resources exporting inferior grade ore while an appropriate process could have been employed to forestall the lapse.

INDUSTRY UPTAKE As you would have thought, initially, the minerals sector had been hesitant to embrace continuous, real-time chemical analysis, opting to stick with the ‘tried and tested’ conventional sampling techniques. The coal and cement industries had enthusiastically taken the technology on board much earlier. Nevertheless, the need to ensure that their operations are sustainable has compelled mining companies to adopt real-time, continuous analysers. Currently, RTI has made over 100 installations of its AllScan worldwide, with a prospect of the portfolio growing.

WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT By and large, real-time, continuous, analysers are a worthwhile investment, worth every dime of the high initial costs, when one takes a long-term view. Usually, after commissioning the cost could be recouped within a year, should the optimization process be applied appropriately.

Artist impression of Ashburton ore storage facility.

Kerman Contracting Pty Ltd (Kerman) has been awarded a $60m contract by Mineral Resources Limited (MRL) for the design and construction of its Port of Ashburton Ore Storage facility in Onslow, Western Australia.

The scope includes the design, fabrication, supply and erection of an enclosed 284-metre-long ore storage facility and associated materials handling. The design is already well underway and onsite construction works are expected to start in January 2023.

“This project fits perfectly into our core business and will provide employment for about 60 site personnel and opportunities for local businesses,” explained Kerman’s Managing Director Chris Kerman.

“To deliver a world class facility for MRL we will call upon our previous experience in the design and construction of port bulk storage and materials handling facilities in locations such as Bunbury, Esperance, Geraldton, Port Kembla and Whyalla.”

“We are very pleased with the opportunity to design and construct a storage facility with these dimensions in the Pilbara region. Once constructed this facility will be one of the largest enclosed bulk storage buildings in Australia’s cyclone region,” Chris Kerman added.

Established in 1981, Kerman is a well-respected business that undertakes a wide variety of Design & Construct and EPC construction projects ranging from materials handling and bulk storage facilities, process plants to non-process infrastructure and accommodation villages. Kerman owns the majority of its own plant.

One of Sydney’s oldest ports to be transformed in world-first project

New South Wales will be home to the world’s first 100% renewable energy shore powered shipping precinct, at the Bays Port in the heart of Sydney.

Minister for Transport and Veterans, David Elliott, said Bays Port, which includes Glebe Island and White Bay, will be the first bulk shipping precinct fully supplied by shore power. The White Bay Cruise Terminal will also be the first shore powered cruise berth in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Our government is creating the ports of the future and in doing so transforming the communities in which they continue to operate,” Elliott said.

“The first berth is set to come online in 2024, and will allow shore power capable ships to cut their diesel generators, and thereby reducing emissions, air pollution and noise levels whilst at port.

“Shore power is cleaner and quieter, minimizing the impact of ships on neighbouring areas and ensuring our last remaining deep water harbour berths continue to operate sustainably into the future,” Elliott said.

In the Bays Port area alone, renewable shore power will remove up to 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere over 12 months, the equivalent of taking over 4,000 cars off our roads every year.

The Port Authority of NSW CEO, Captain Philip Holliday, announced the net zero and shore power plan with the support of bulk shipping and cruise industry leaders.

“This is an historic partnership with the Port Authority of NSW investing over $60 million to deliver this infrastructure as the first step, with port users already pledging to retrofit and build ships to take advantage of this technology,” Holliday said.

“Delivering shore power will drive us even further than our already ambitious net zero targets, of a 75% emissions reduction by 2030 and be net zero by 2040.”

The Port of Mackay has hit the ground running in 2022, chalking up increased tonnage across a range of trades and supporting local jobs

The Port of Mackay recorded 235,533 tonnes of trade in February. Mackay trade results are 23% above last year’s throughput for the same financial year to date period, totalling 2,443,600 tonnes.

State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gillbert welcomed the results, which signified Mackay’s strong economic recovery from Covid-19.

“I’m proud of the work the Port of Mackay does to strengthen the economy and support local jobs,” Gillbert said.

“The Palaszcuzk Government is committed to keeping important assets like this in public hands, so that these wins are the wins of all Queenslanders.

“I look forward to seeing what the next 12 months has in store for trade tonnages and job numbers here in Mackay.”

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) CEO Nicolas Fertin said while increases have been recorded in grain, magnetite, fertilizer and molasses –break bulk trade continues to go from strength to strength at the port.

“A recent break bulk shipment saw the super-sized Höegh Trigger, with an impressive length of almost 200 metres, berth at the port on 9 February – carrying two, CAT 797 haul trucks bound for the Bowen Basin,” Fertin said.

“The trucks, with a special target payload of 371 tonnes and gross power of 4,000 horsepower, were part of a shipment into the Port of Mackay that totalled 3,308 freight tonnes.

“Growing break bulk trade through the port has been a real team effort, and this trade movement was no exception.

“From Texas in the USA to Paget in Mackay and then onto the Bowen Basin, the delivery of the trucks involved several companies and service providers, bolstering local jobs along the way.

“The trucks started their journey at Caterpillar’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) facility in the United States, where they were loaded onto Höegh Trigger in Freeport, Texas bound for Australia.

“The trucks were then transported by one of Australia’s largest logistics providers, Centurion, to the Hasting Deering facility in Mackay for assembly.”

Fertin remarked that the Port of Mackay is an essential gateway linking Central Queensland to the world, servicing mining and agricultural industries and supporting 2,100 trade jobs and delivering an economic contribution of $3.5 billion.

“In 2020/21, we invested in $1.8 million to expand cargo capacity at the Mackay’s Wharf Four and a $2.5 million to extend Wharf One. We’ve greatly improved our ability to handle larger cargo such as rail infrastructure, wind turbines and heavy machinery,” he said.

“Work is also progressing on a new $8.5 million tug berth facility at the port, aimed at supporting growth and diversified trade.

“Our proximity to current and future regional resource projects in the Bowen Basin, agricultural developments, and to Australia’s leading mining equipment technology and services (METS) hub in Paget, makes the Port of Mackay an ideal and efficient global supply chain solution.”

Oskar Orstadius, Höegh Autoliners Chief Sales Officer said built in 2015, the Höegh Trigger is a Horizon class vessel.

“These vessels are the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTC vessels out there - capable of transporting 8,500 cars and cargo weighing up to 375 metric tonnes.

“Built on state-of-the-art technology, these vessels emit 40% less CO2 per car transported compared to a standard car carrier.”

NQBP is a Queensland Governmentowned corporation, which is also responsible for the strategic ports of Abbot Point, Hay Point and Weipa.

(Above) Aerial view of unloading the trucks from the Höegh Trigger.

Two, CAT 797 haul trucks on the Höegh Trigger.

Two Liebherr mobile harbour cranes are playing a critical role in keeping the UK supplied with products from around the world ranging from steel plate to Caribbean fruit. In a UK first, the cranes are operating on fossil-free HVO renewable diesel, a premium fossil free fuel made of 100% renewable raw materials, which does not release any new carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The machines – an LHM 280 and LHM 550 – were installed at Port of Dover to strengthen a fleet of equipment that enables the multi-purpose terminal to handle and distribute all types of cargo arriving and departing from the world’s busiest shipping lane.

The LHM 550 is the larger of the pair, able to lift 104 tonnes and with a maximum outreach of 54 metres, while its smaller stablemate has an 84-tonne lift capacity and will reach out to 40 metres, meaning they can handle steel, breakbulk, containers, palletized fruit and many other loads. Hydrostatic drive and closed loop hydraulic circuits guarantee immediate reaction times for rapid and precise operation.

The robust design of the Liebherr LHM cranes was an important factor for the Port of Dover when procuring the cranes,

Liebherr LHM 550 at Port of Dover. This model can lift 104 tonnes, and has a 54m outreach.

The LIebherr LHM 280 has an 84-tonne lift capacity and an outreach of 40m.

especially given the exposed and windy nature of the terminal in Dover. The two cranes have the ability to work in wind speeds of up to a Force 9 severe gale, meaning vessels can be unloaded all year round, in nearly all weather conditions.

When the cranes were delivered, Karen Hayes, Commercial and Divisional Manager at Port of Dover Cargo, commented: “Since our new terminal in the Western Docks opened just over a year and a half ago, our business has flourished. We have continued to adapt to the latest technologies and techniques, enabling the team to process every range of cargo in the industry and expand our customer base even further.” The team at Dover is particularly pleased that the cranes are running on HVO, as this is supporting the port’s drive towards achieving its recently announced industry leading decarbonization targets.

Robert Alexander, sales manager at Liebherr-Great Britain said: “It has been a pleasure working with the team at the Port of Dover. We wish the port every success as they expand their operations and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

Last year Soreidom & Caribbean Line become the port’s first scheduled customer for breakbulk.