The Backbone of Global Trade: Maritime Logistics and Bulk
Shipping Ports and terminals serve as vital connection points between mines, processing plants, and ultimately, consumers worldwide. Within these cargo ports, the safe, environmentally friendly, and economical handling of bulk materials is paramount. The efficiency of loading and unloading processes significantly impacts the delivery time of bulk goods within the supply chain; faster operations mean raw materials reach processing plants sooner. Sophisticated port technology, standardised processes, and automation are key to increasing turnover in ports, terminals, and shipping companies.
BEUMER Group stands as a key partner in this crucial sector, offering equipment and systems designed to handle a wide range of bulk logistics challenges. Following the integration of FAM Minerals & Mining, the company now combines decades of expertise in conveying, loading and stockyard technology. With a global presence through branches in 35 countries and a robust service network, the company is strategically positioned to serve customers across the globe. Their comprehensive solutions guide materials through every stage of their journey, ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Solutions for Every Stage of Bulk Handling
The journey of bulk materials typically starts with their receipt at a port or facility. BEUMER Group provides a suite of
loading and unloading solutions to facilitate this critical initial step.
For train and truck unloading and loading, BEUMER Group’s solutions include specialised bulk unloading hoppers. At the ship interface,
ship loaders are available with liftable, pivotable and telescopic booms or shuttle booms, either fixed or rail-mounted, along with a range of ship unloaders and continuous ship unloaders.
Once materials are received or need to be moved within a confined area like a port or processing facility, in-port conveying systems become essential. BEUMER Group offers a range of reliable systems for this purpose, including belt conveyors for short and medium distances,
mobile and
shiftable belt conveyors,
air-supported belt conveyors (ASBCs), and feeding and discharging conveyors.
Compared to conventional bulk material belt conveyors, ASBCs significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs, as well as lower power consumption, due to fewer rotating parts. The BEUMER ASBCs are fully enclosed to prevent dust emission and material spillage, enabling operations that comply with stringent environmental regulations.
Strategic Storage and Stockyard Management
After initial conveying, materials often require storage, blending, or management within a stockyard operation. BEUMER Group provides efficient
stockyard technology to manage material movement effectively, including systems for material storage and
blending beds. Their solutions cater to various stockyard layouts, such as circular, longitudinal, and radial.
Central to these operations are stockyard and stacker conveyors, which facilitate the efficient movement of materials. Furthermore, BEUMER Group offers a comprehensive range of
stackers and reclaimers, available in various configurations, including combined machines, which collectively help optimise material management and retrieval.
Long-Distance Transport to Final Destination
For materials that need to be transported directly from a port to a processing plant or between large industrial sites, trucks and trains have been the default solution.
Long-distance overland conveyors provide a viable alternative, cutting CO2 emissions, reducing energy consumption, and alleviating safety concerns.
BUMER Group’s
curved trough belt conveyors, pipe conveyors, and
U-belt conveyors can navigate challenging terrain, accommodating tight horizontal curves and steep inclines, with pipe conveyors handling up to 30 degrees. They provide versatility in material transport, from large lumps with trough and U-belt systems to small/medium particles with pipe conveyors.
Pipe conveyors are fully enclosed, protecting materials during transit, while U-belt conveyors feature an enclosed return run. Both designs help reduce dust, spillage, and environmental impact significantly.
Optimised design, utilising tools like the BEUMER Overland Layouting Tool (BOLT), minimises structural steel and transfer points. This tool helps to enhance efficiency and reduce capital expenditure. Moreover, digitalisation, through condition monitoring and mobile apps, enables proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Partnership Beyond Products: Lifecycle Support and Innovation
BEUMER Group’s commitment extends far beyond equipment supply; they act as a partner throughout the entire lifecycle of their systems, from initial planning to daily operation. The company’s comprehensive customer support programme includes on-site maintenance and repair, regular safety checks, and a robust warranty service. They also offer modernisation services to upgrade software and hardware, extending system lifetime, lowering energy costs, and increasing efficiency.
From the project’s inception, BEUMER Group collaborates on feasibility studies and plant planning, creating extensive 3D visualisations during the early design phase and considering exact parameters for detailed results. The company’s engineering expertise encompasses load calculation, structural analysis, material transfer optimisation, and detailed component analysis, all supported by advanced digital solutions, such as IoT and Big Data, for continuous system improvement.
Ultimately, BEUMER Group delivers solutions that are designed to ensure a reduced carbon footprint, minimal dust emission, maximised operational availability, and enhanced staff safety. Their holistic approach makes them a partner of choice for world-class bulk material handling solutions.