15 December 2011

Flinders Ports wins awards for innovative method to load cargo

The rapid growth of the resources sector has increased demand  for shipping options from South Australian ports. This demand is being  driven by a host of start-up mining companies that may not be in the position to finance port developments that traditionally would have be required to handle various types of cargo. These key port attributes include:

• road and rail connectivity
• suitable storage facilities
• solutions that guarantee minimal impact on the environment and local community.

Faced with overcoming these issues, Flinders Ports has looked to leverage off its existing infrastructure in order to facilitate the export of these products which involved exploring some innovative and non-conventional methods to load  cargo.

Flinders Ports has taken a two pronged approach by looking to develop;

• Outer Harbor precinct for the cargoes requiring deep water
• Inner Harbour for the smaller shipments of low volume high value cargoes.

Flinders Ports has developed the inner harbour precinct by extending rail into the facility and the purchase of a Gottwald Harbour Crane to load the containerised cargo.

Due to the vagaries of handling large volumes of minerals and concentrates through a large metropolitan port, Flinders Ports was conscious of ensuring its methodology satisfied all environmental and community needs. The supply chain including the bulk storage and handling methodology developed by Flinders Ports has been recognised by its peers as both unique in its process and best practice in its operation.

The key components of the process are:

• Lease or purchase of specialised containers
• Containers are filled with product at mine site
• Containers are delivered to the port and stacked awaiting shipment
• During vessel loading the containers are delivered under the crane by either ITV's or straddles
• A rotating container tippler locks onto the container and lowers the unit into the hold of the vessel for discharge
• A specialised misting system has been developed and is attached around the hatch of the vessel to minimise the possibility of any transmission of dust
• The rotating container tippler has the ability to remove the lid from the container whilst in the hold of the vessel during its product discharge rotation, and re attach the lid prior to leaving the vessels hold
• The empty containers are delivered to a lay down area, stacked and returned to the mine.

Flinders Ports has won a number of awards for this simple but elegant methodology.

Supply Chain and Integration Award - Lloyd's List DCN Awards 2011
An award for achievement in the efficient movement of freight, using high levels of integration between different modes of transport. The award can go to an individual shipping line or freight forwarder for a common user intermodal service, or for a transport solution which they have customised for a particular user or cargo. The award could also be made to a dedicated intermodal facility or for a specific piece of technology.

Transport & Logistics Industry Excellence Award in Technology
Accelerate SA - Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA)
The company/individual nominated will be able to demonstrate that the particular technology / innovation met the project objectives and had a direct effect on the effectiveness and/or efficiency of the company business. The submission must show tangible evidence that the project is complete with all aspects fully operational and functional. The submission should show the financial benefit (cost reduction/income generation) as a direct consequence of the innovation. Assessment will take account of the value of the technology change to the industry and not only to the company concerned.