A Conversation About Dry Bulk

Two typical issues that occur during bulk loading are material degradation and the creation of dust – the gravity of the issue of course being related to the type of bulk material handled. To control these issues right at the root one proven option is the use of Cascade chute systems. In this session we will explore how the Cascade system addresses these issues through the concept of ‘mass flow’. We will discuss the reduced need for dust extraction systems for bulk loading solutions where the cascade chute is involved and how this is a benefit for the customer.

The discussion will explore the standard dust control measures in place with the Cascade chute and additional features that can support a variety of loading requirements including trimming and closed hatch loading.

Case studies will be used to share the problems faced across a range of materials along with the solutions put in place.

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Cleveland Cascades Ltd – PortZone EP19

For dry bulk terminals it is essential to balance performance, cost and capacity. And here is where simulation can help – simulation of various options in layouts and handling systems, but also the single equipment performance – both on the greenfield side but also when looking at a capacity increase or debottlenecking. Simulation can help terminals achieve their target volumes while minimizing vessel waiting times and demurrage costs, ensuring efficient utilization of equipment and storage.

In this session, Javad Mohajeri will present how simulation addresses planning, operational, and technical challenges in dry bulk terminals. We will discuss why and when to start a simulation study, along with examples of operational challenges resolved using simulation. The modeling possibilities, such as waterside, horizontal transport, storage, and gate operations, will also be introduced.

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Portwise – Bulk Simulation Optimization

In this PortZone episode, we explore the critical role of Smart Mooring in maintaining operational efficiency and safety at dry bulk terminals. Environmental factors like wind, waves, and current, along with passing vessels, can cause excessive vessel motions, leading to operational downtime, snapped lines, or failed bollards. Dynamic Mooring Analysis (DMA) is often used to determine the influence of these conditions and model the moored vessel response. Smart Mooring takes it a step further by integrating DMA with metocean predictions, providing operators with actionable insights and warnings of potential hazards. We’ll delve into a case study of an exposed bulk terminal in Ras Al Khaimah, demonstrating how Smart Mooring aids daily operations, mitigating risks while ensuring efficiency.

**No video recording is available at this time**

Ports and terminals are under pressure to decarbonise their operations while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness. For Scopes 1 and 2 emissions, this is relatively straightforward: these emissions stem directly from the port’s or terminal’s own activities, and can be managed. Scope 3 emissions from calling vessels, however, are both far more significant and far more difficult to control. With the right tools – like RightShip’s Maritime Emissions Portal (MEP) – terminals can transform emissions and air quality monitoring in the terminal and surrounding area. The tool harnesses the world’s largest and most comprehensive maritime vessel database to give ports and terminals unparalleled insights into vessel-based emissions, allowing them to discover which vessel types, operations, terminals, or jetties they should focus on to start their decarbonisation journeys.

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How smart monitoring can help reduce ship emissions in-terminal

Many dry bulk terminals face the challenge of lowering their handling costs. They work to shorten the turnaround time of a vessel to avoid demurrage and also to increase their handling capacity. However, the terminals often have an already existing and hard to change infrastructure (conveyors), where the possibility for change is limited. Starting optimization with the grab, there might be opportunities though. A more productive grab can help – however it needs to be aligned with the (existing) hopper and the conveying system (increase the belt speed). The approach to start optimizing with the grab will be presented, together with case studies. It will be shown how the right grab can help with reducing turnaround time as well as reducing energy and labor costs.

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Terminal Optimization Starting with the Grab

Dust in dry bulk ports is a topic that deserves close attention and every effort to improve safety and minimize environmental impact. We understand the importance of addressing this issue, and that’s why we are excited to announce our upcoming PortZone episode featuring Richard Posner from Dust Solutions, Inc.

In this session, Richard will shed light on the different types of fugitive dusts commonly found in dry bulk ports. He will delve into their impact and explore the sources from which they originate. Understanding the root causes of dust generation is crucial in developing effective mitigation strategies.

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Achieving Net Zero Fugitive Dust Emissions

A collision avoidance system is a must-have on larger equipment moving in ports – such as ship loaders or other stockyard equipment, for example. But what is a collision avoidance system really, what problems can it solve and where are the differences between the systems available? Based on real cases provided by FAM, different options will be explored, ranging from “simple” to more “advanced” solutions.

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Advanced Collision Prevention Systems for Ship Loaders

Exchanging best practices is critical within the dry bulk handling industry. From safety, environmental concerns, the infrastructure or equipment selection – to constantly keep improving the standard and to remain competitive, it is important to exchange information amongst peer companies.

Our featured guest for Episode 5 is Paul Goris from the International Dry Bulk Terminals Group who in this episode discusses how dry bulk handling professionals can find best common grounds towards operational excellence.

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Sharing Best Practices in the Dry Bulk Industry

Dry bulk shipping still lags behind the rest of the shipping industry in digitalization of the processes and documentation, yet it is slowly taking place. Some believe it is a fad or only act on it when required by legislation. In this conversation our guest speaker Lars Greiner of HPC will explain why digitalization is vital for the survival of dry bulk shipping companies and how can they benefit from it.

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Why Dry Bulk Shipping Needs Digitalisation

We invite you to join us for the very first installment of our new live webinar series: PortZone. This all new initiative will host open discussions about the Dry Bulk Ports and Terminals industry. These conversations will include industry experts discussing the current state of the industry, new innovative thought processes, technologies & leading trends.

Our first episode features keynote speaker Jonathan Arnup from Trent Port Consulting.

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Holistic Port Planning: Trent Port Services