Construction and transport of a mechanical shipunloader in a grain handling terminal: a customized solution to substitute an old equipment in the existing quay with challenging space constraints.
The construction and transport of a mechanical shipunloader in a grain handling terminal is a very complex and articulated operation: even though these port equipment are usually assembled directly at the final destination area, with an erection process lasting few months, in this case the logistic difficulties and the space lack at the customer’s site forced the GEA-Golfetto Sangati engineers to set up a construction site directly at the Port of Chioggia (Venice, Italy, one hour drive from the Golfetto Sangati headquarters) and then transport the COMBIMEC fully erected to the final site with an heavy lift vessel.
This was an excellent opportunity for the GEA-Golfetto Sangati technicians to face an interesting challenge: COMBIMEC is equipped with two booms, one for unloading soybeans (600 TPH) and the other for loading soybean meal (200 TPH). Combining the two functions of loading and unloading and fulfilling the challenging client requirements required high skills in both designing and assembling the equipment.
The construction operation has been carried out in perfect compliance with the loading schedule of the heavy-lift vessel. The transfer from the worksite to the loading berth and loading into the vessel of this impressive construction of approximately 550 tons and 32 meters high, was extremely delicate and carried out in an impeccable and precise manner by a team of very professional technicians.
A pleasant example showing how the development of customized solutions based on customer needs can be an excellent opportunity to increase strength and awareness in the market.
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Grain handling and storage
GEA is a reference point for the design and construction of complete port systems for loading and unloading ships. The range of proposed handling technologies is wide so the customer is supported by the initial stages of the project to choose the best solution according to the requirements needed. Key drivers are reliability and flexibility; narrow spaces and challenging operating conditions are taken as input to develop 100% “tailor-made” solutions with the goal of minimizing energy consumption, dust and material leaks.
