Multi-grain unloading increases efficiency at Apapa port

For over twenty years, Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC has relied upon Siwertell screw-type ship unloading technology at Apapa Port, Lagos, Nigeria, to handle multiple grain imports. The system delivers reliable, spillage-free operations with low energy consumption and minimal material degradation, ensuring highly efficient vessel turnarounds.

CUSTOMER NEED

As one of Nigeria’s largest grain importers, Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC faced the challenge of handling rising dry bulk cargo volumes, while improving cost efficiency and minimizing environmental impact at the busy Apapa Port complex in Lagos. The operator’s priorities included equipment reliability, reduced energy consumption, and consistently high through-ship performance.

It needed a ship unloading solution capable of handling dry bulk carriers ranging from Ultramax to Panamax in size, while minimizing grain losses during discharge by avoiding costly spillages and preserving shipment quality.

Equipment also had to be robust enough to operate reliably in demanding port conditions. Tight project timelines and weather-related issues presented further challenges, emphasizing the need for a trusted supplier with a proven track record. Ultimately, any unloading solution had to offer proven performance that could keep pace with Nigeria’s growing demand for imported food commodities.

OUR SOLUTION

The Bruks Siwertell solution for Flour Mills of Nigeria included two rail-mounted Siwertell ST 490-M screw-type ship unloaders, delivered in 2001 and 2007. Each unit is designed to deliver a continuous rated capacity of up to 600t/h, discharging mainly wheat, but also maize, soya, and barley, directly to storage silos.

In addition to the Siwertell unloaders, the delivery scope included an enclosed jetty belt conveyor, with a rubber cover belt, and a bucket elevator for transferring unloaded material onto the operator’s existing conveying system. As the ship unloader travels along the jetty, the cover belt is lifted at the transfer points by a belt lifter, minimizing dust emissions.

Siwertell screw-type ship unloaders are engineered for efficiency and longevity. They ensure low running costs and have robust components, delivering reliable operation under heavy-use conditions. Their enclosed conveying system minimizes dust and ensures a spillage-free unloading operation, which not only protects valuable grain cargos, but also minimizes environmental impact and operational losses.

To safeguard and optimize through-life performance, Flour Mills of Nigeria has a long-standing service relationship with Bruks Siwertell, securing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) technical support and minimizing downtime through planned maintenance. Despite some initial spare parts logistics challenges during commissioning, both systems have since proven highly reliable, delivering smooth operations with low energy demands.

“Terminal operations have improved significantly since the start-up of our Siwertell ship unloading equipment,” highlights Athanasios Mitatos, Technical Manager, Flour Mills of Nigeria. “We are achieving higher volumes, with minimal grain losses, for reduced operational costs. The system is also environmentally friendly with no spillages and lower energy consumption. We are really satisfied with the results.”

Today, the unloaders continue to meet expectations, enabling higher handling volumes, reduced operational costs, and a cleaner port environment, reinforcing Apapa’s position as a key grain-import hub in Nigeria.