Grabbing Port Productivity

Sector analysis: The grab is critical to efficiency 

Demand for port cargo grabs is rising, driven by larger bulk fleets, faster ship turnaround targets, and a wider variety of materials to be handled. As Guven Grab says in a recent blog: “As vessels grow larger and cargo densities become more demanding, ports can no longer afford inefficiencies, performance gaps, or unplanned downtime. Modern port grabs, therefore, play a critical role in shaping the pace, reliability, and sustainability of daily operations.” High capacity and productivity-boosting grabs are in more demand than ever before, as is underlined in the below company-by-company reviews. Peel Ports’ Teesport, for example, has invested in a new spider grab, boosting handling capacity from 7.5 cubic metres to 17 cubic metres per grab. Elsewhere, new Nemag grabs in the Port of Pecém, Brazil have increased productivity by over 20%. Other fast-developing trends include the application of digitalisation to port equipment. Grabs are being brought into the wider digital port ecosystem, which brings further productivity benefits.

Data analysis: Efficiency, capacity, IOT and orders

GENMA: GENMA recently shipped three large grab ship un-loaders from RHP Port, destined for an unnamed customer in India to boost bulk cargo handling efficiency at its port. These three units are part of a 14-unit order secured by GENMA last July, which includes twelve 1,500 tonnes per hour (t/h) and two 2,000 (t/h) grab ship un-loaders. All equipment is manufactured by Nantong Rainbow Heavy Machineries. GENMA said that its grab ship un-loaders feature a dual-mode ‘grab and hook’ operation. In grab mode, they efficiently handle coal, ore, and other bulk materials for vessels from 70,000 to 240,000dwt. In hook mode, they can lift steel plates, pipes, and general cargo. The units also support reverse loading – using the grab to load cargo from the yard onto ships, or container flipping for rapid loading – making them multi-purpose. The 2,000 t/h models, designed specifically for high-efficiency unloading of coal and iron ore, come with auto-positioning and synchronised hoisting for precise, stable, and energy-saving operation.

Guven Grab: Radio remote control grabs have been gaining popularity in the ports sector, helping to improve efficiency and cutting emissions. Turkey headquartered Guven Grab has highlighted the benefits of its Guven® Radio Remote Control Grab in a recent blog. By eliminating external power supply requirements, wiring, and onboard generators, its grab introduces a self-contained, battery-powered system. “The result is a remote-controlled grab that integrates smoothly with existing cranes while reducing operational risk and maintenance exposure,” Guven Grab states. By operating though an internally optimised hydraulic system that does not rely on external motor-driven power transfer, there are fewer moving parts leading to less maintenance. The grab opens via a remote command, and once it is lowered onto the cargo, the closing action is activated naturally by the lifting force of the crane. This gravity-assisted closing mechanism removes the need for continuous electrical actuation. Güven Grab specialised bulk cargo handling grabs also include mechanical, and electro-hydraulic options. Founded in 1984, the company announced last year that it has delivered more than 15,000 grabs worldwide.

Nemag: One of Nemag’s latest additions is its Clamshell Grab, with beneficial features including a light weight, productivity and low maintenance costs. The Netherlands-headquartered company wanted to keep the operating expenditure of the grab as low as possible. To this end it says it used the most durable materials possible and reduced the number of parts that are susceptible to wear and tear. The opening direction of the new Clamshell Grab can be either transversal or longitudinal, while available shell options are open, semi-enclosed or closed. It has a safe working load range of 20–120 tonnes. Previous to the Clamshell Grab, Nemag launched its-new generation NemaX iron ore grab. Nemag released a case study last year about the use of its grabs at the VLI-operated Port of Pecém in Brazil. The terminal installed Nemag’s Clamshell and NemaX grabs, reporting a productivity boost of over 20%. “We unload a ship in four days instead of five,” notes Paulo Ribeiro, Port Operations Technician, VLI Port of Pecém. Reasons for this include quicker opening and closing, safer operation, and faster changeovers of the grabs.

Stemm: Stemm has announced the launch of its new IoT module, designed to optimise the diagnostics and monitoring of its electrohydraulic orange peel and clamshell grabs.  The module enables the monitoring of key parameters such as temperature and pressure, thus helping to prevent maintenance issues. Stemm says that one of its main advantages is the ability to detect faults remotely—at distances of up to 50 meters—facilitating faster response times. The system operates as a cloud-based digital platform, accessible via smartphone, through which users can perform technical queries using text or voice and receive immediate diagnostics. The module provides real-time analysis and anomaly detection, reducing downtime, improving operational continuity, and decreasing reliance on external technical support. The service is automatically updated with new cases and improvements and is offered through a monthly subscription model. The Spain-headquartered company has also recently introduced a spare parts tool for all companies that use Stemm grab machines. Stemm states there was a “clear goal to simplify machine maintenance and help extend the service life of our equipment”. Through the spare platform, accessible from Stemm’s official website, customers can request spare parts quotes. It can also manage spare parts shipments worldwide.

The Grab Specialist: The Grab Specialist’s (TGS) acquisition of heavy machinery manufacturing company Rudomatic has enabled it to manufacture its own grab taglines in its factories in the Netherlands.  TGS states: “This strategic move allows us to maintain full control over the production chain, resulting in superior craftsmanship and shorter delivery times.” Taglines are a critical component when operating a grab to move dry bulk cargo. The Rudomatic Tagline is designed to securely hold a crane grab steady. Once installed, the Tagline operates automatically, streamlining the process. Operating on a coil spring system, the Rudomatic Tagline maintains a constant and positive tension on the grab. TGS explains the benefits: by incorporating taglines, the risk of accidents and injuries is significantly reduced. Keeping hands off the load and using taglines prevents workers from getting struck or pinned under a swinging load, especially during rigging failures. Taglines also enable precise load positioning and control. The Netherlands- headquartered company provides hydraulic, electric hydraulic, mechanical (rope) and diesel grabs.

Verstegen Grab Intelligence: PD Ports has boosted its bulk handling capability at Teesport with the arrival of two new task-specific grabs from Verstegen, which it says allow its operations team to better match equipment to individual cargoes and conditions. Its investment also includes a third electric-hydraulic Liebherr LPS 550 crane. The new grabs deployed by the port are Verstegen’s clamshell and 17cbm spider grab (also known as an orange peel grab). The UK port operator states that the spider grab, which is designed to handle scrap metal, will increase handling capacity from 7.5 cubic metres to 17 cubic metres per grab. The scrap grab also features bespoke lifting points, allowing plant to be transferred from shore to ship without changing the gear. Grant Honzik, Business Unit Director – Bulks, points out: “The new grabs allow us to handle cargo more efficiently, increase load and discharge speeds and better tailor our equipment to individual products, opening up opportunities in new and emerging bulk and breakbulk markets. Combined with the crane’s increased lift capacity and tandem lift capability, this investment gives us the flexibility to support everything from high‑volume bulk commodities through to complex project cargo, including large‑scale infrastructure developments across the region.” PD Bulks Teesdock has another 10 grabs of between 18 and 24cbm, which are a mix of Verstegen and Smag (4-line and electrohydraulic). Netherlands-headquartered Verstegen Grab Intelligence, which manufactures rope operated mechanical grabs, has marked its 75^thanniversary milestone this year. It says its grabs now serve ports in more than 115 countries.