Logmarin and associated marine engineering company,
Interprogetti, have developed jointly with Liebherr and Bedeschi
an innovative floating crane for open sea transshipment
operations on behalf of the Indonesian JV (joint venture) PT
MitraSwireCTM.
In the off-shore dry-bulk logistics arena, there are not many
technical innovations in sight. Competence, skills optimization,
extensive operational experience and a proven track record are
the fundamental ingredients for a smooth and reliable operation
year after year.
PT MITRA SWIRE CTM is an Indonesian JV between PT Mitra
Bahtera Segarasejati and Swire CTM Bulk Logistics.
PT MitraSwireCTM’s aim is to be a full and integrated logistics
supplier of dry bulk material, from mine to end-user, including
ocean transportation.
The JV offers clients the opportunity to deal with only one
partner thus optimizing the flow of raw materials through
cost-effective solutions and sparing them the trouble of having to
interact with many different organizations.
PT MitraSwireCTM also avails itself of the support of
Logmarin Advisors (one of the world’s leading designers of
floating cranes and floating terminals) for the design of its
logistics projects and also to oversee project implementation.
PT MitraSwireCTM has always endeavoured to strive for
improvement in the performance of its systems. To achieve this
goal, the JV has established close working relationships with
Logmarin, Liebherr, Bedeschi and SMAG all leading bulk material
handling facilities designers and manufacturers and Rina the Italian
classification society (IACS member). The JV’s aim is to combine
the best know-how and expertise to develop reliable and
efficient logistics solutions for the client’s specific operational
requirements. This is clearly demonstrated by the floating crane
Princesse Abby, which finds a balance between operational
requirements and cost efficiency, thereby giving the best value for
money.
During the last 12 months over 3.5mt (million tonnes) of coal
has been loaded by the single Liebherr crane fitted on the FC
Abby. Its daily loading performance is steadily in excess of its
guaranteed contractual loading rate of 18,000 tonnes (best daily
average performance 27,630 tonnes). Very few single floating
cranes can boast a similar throughput quantity while working in
open sea.
Princesse Chloe is conceived for open water operation
equipped with combined ‘roll dampening systems’ for pontoon
rolling motions attenuation (amplitude, period and acceleration).
Therefore, the Logmarin-conceived floating crane concept is less
sensitive to the adverse weather conditions as compared with
standard floating cranes.
With a daily designed loading rate of 50,000 tonnes the
Princesse Chloe is capable of loading over 800,000 tonnes of coal
monthly. The environmentally friendly coal transfer operation will
operate at a daily average rate exceeding 40,000 tonnes and,
thanks to the innovative telescopic shiploader (designed by
Bedeschi) that is equipped with a distribution chute, loading
operations are carried out smoothly and efficiently even in case
of high coal stowage factor.
Key components are being supplied by world-renowned
suppliers such as Liebherr, Peiner Smag, Logmarin, Caterpillar,
Bedeschi, Rina, Keppel Subic, etc.
The coal handling equipment designed according to MSC and
Logmarin specifications is manufactured in compliance with the
highest classifications for heavy-duty work in open water
conditions. Double independent electrical generator sets (one
set on duty, one stand-by/maintenance, to ensure 24 hours a day
non-stop operation), i.e. built in redundancy.
The efficiency of this coal handling facility will enable the coal
producer to maximize the vessel’s cargo carrying capacity (thus
avoiding wasted space in the vessel’s holds) and minimize the
vessel loading time thus reducing the transportation costs
significantly. Therefore, the Princesse Chloe has significant
competitive advantages over existing transshipper units.
Furthermore the Princesse Chloe is designed to have the ability
to carry out loading operations on both OGV sides in order to
manage the operation in adverse weather conditions.
Continuous improvement is part of MSC and Logmarin’s
cultures and the Princesse Chloe will benefit enormously from the
experience and technical and operational feedback gained from
similar systems.
In addition to the spare parts recommended by Class, Chloe
will be provided with a suitable number of spares to perform the
operation smoothly. Furthermore, the facility is designed with
redundancy built in, giving further assurance of a smooth
operation.
Besides conforming with international safety regulations,
Princesse Chloe is built in compliance with local and customer
requirements, applicable safety laws/regulations and will operate
in accordance to ISPS/ISM code.
Protection of the environment is an integral part of the MSC’s
business philosophy. MSC requires that its staff at sea and ashore
carry out their duties giving environmental concerns the highest
possible priority.
For this reason, the following devices have been built in to
ensure environmentally friendly coal transshipment operations:
water spray system to minimize dust emission; spill plates to
avoid coal spillage; fully enclosed conveyor system; and coal
transfer points to avoid wind-generated dust. A sewage system
has been developed to treat dirty water. The diesel engine for
power supply has been designed in accordance with the latest
standards to reduce emission and special devices have been built
in to avoid the spillage of coal at sea.
The floating crane Princesse Chloe is under construction at
Keppel Subic Shipyard (Philippines) under Registro Italiano Navale
(RINA) and Logmarin surveillance/supervision. She will be
delivered from the yard in December this year.
Amongst other ship building, conversion and repair projects,
Subic yard has built the transshipper units Bulk Pioneer, FC
Nicholas, Princesse Abby, Zeus and is completing MBSS’s Princesse
Rachel which is due to be delivered on 8 July.
PT MitraSwireCTM is not only offering its client a specific
transshipper facility but also the benefit of sharing its extensive
technical knowledge, shipping network and offshore operative
know-how in order to provide the most cost-effective
commodities seaborne supply chain required to ensure the
end-users to maintain a competitive edge and reduce any freight
disadvantage they may have against competitors.
In other words, PT MitraSwireCTM presents itself as ‘a
partner for progress’ and it wishes to co-operate with its clients
to design and jointly operate the most suitable system to bridge
the gap between supplier and industry.
Swire CTM Bulk Logistics has been set up as a JV between
Swire and CTM. The JV brings together both companies’
strengths to deliver value to industries which require
improvement in the maritime supply chain.
For example, Kalimantan, Indonesia — coal mines situated in
shallow draught coastal areas or up large river systems need to
be able to export preferably on the largest ships to achieve the
best shipping rates per tonne. Swire CTM Bulk Logistics with its
partner PT Mitra (MBSS) enables this process by providing access
to OGVs via tug and barging the coal and then via a floating
terminal or transshipper, loading the vessel.