MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has received an order for
gravity self-unloading systems for two 29,800dwt bulk
carriers (lakers) from the Yangzijiang shipyard, in China. The
vessels will be delivered late 2017 / early 2018 to Canadian
Great Lakes operator, Algoma. The order was booked into
the first quarter 2016 order intake.
“MacGregor enjoys a good, long-term relationship with
the Yangzijiang shipyard and we are happy to see our position
in the self-unloading market strengthened through this order,”
says Mikael Ha¨gglund, Sales Manager, Selfunloaders.
The contract will see MacGregor deliver a highly-
automated, efficient self-unloading system to each of the new
vessels.The system is designed for a maximum unloading rate
of 5,450tph (tonnes per hour) for stone or iron ore and
4,360tph for coal. MacGregor is responsible for the design of
the complete self-unloading system, which includes a
discharge boom, full flow cargo gates, conveyor belts, cross
conveyors, and a C-loop.
“MacGregor thoroughly discussed Algoma’s technical
requirements during the pre-contract phase and was able to
offer the most efficient solution that best suited the
operator’s needs,” notes Mr Ha¨gglund.“Meeting the tight delivery schedule and the co-ordinated teamwork with the
shipyard was also an important factor in securing the order.”
The new bulkers will join Algoma’s fleet of 13 domestic
self-unloading vessels operating on the Great Lakes and the
St Lawrence Seaway, all of which have to comply with
extremely strict environmental protection legislation.
“MacGregor’s gravity self-unloading technology is well-
recognized by the industry for being able to provide
improved levels of cargo handling efficiency, which in turn
delivers a commercially competitive advantage to
shipowners,” Mr Ha¨gglund adds.
MacGregor shapes the offshore and marine industries by
offering world-leading engineering solutions and services with
a strong portfolio of MacGregor, Hatlapa, Porsgrunn, Pusnes
and Triplex brands. Shipbuilders, owners and operators are
able to optimize the lifetime profitability, safety, reliability and
environmental sustainability of their operations by working in
close cooperation with MacGregor.
MacGregor solutions and services for handling marine
cargoes, vessel operations, offshore loads, crude/LNG transfer
and offshore mooring are all designed to perform with the
sea.