Ship unloader - Mexico

Siwertell unloader secures outstanding grain handling in Mexico

Gramosa’s new agri-bulk terminal in Veracruz, Mexico, is setting standards in grain handling and environmental protection capabilities. Its Siwertell ST 640-M ship unloader offers seamless flexibility, handling a number of different grains including corn, wheat, rice, soya meal, and dried distillers grains, without any loss of efficiency or cargo quality. 

Customer need 

In 2018, Gramosa required a ship unloading system for its new agri-bulk terminal in Veracruz, Mexico. It wanted to ensure the highest possible levels of operational efficiency and competitive through-life costs. The operator also needed to protect the environment from dust emissions and eliminate any cargo waste through spillage or spoilage.

Initially, Gramosa was considering installing two 600t/h pneumatic ship unloaders that would work in tandem at the terminal. However, good references and the potential for longer-term cost savings made the operator embark on a four-month selection process. 

During this time, many features were compared, such as operating principles and mechanisms, investment costs, as well as operating costs. The analysis showed that a single Siwertell ST 640-M ship unloader would be a more economical solution in the long run. The operating costs comparing two pneumatic unloaders, delivering an equal total capacity, was lower. Also, the Siwertell unloader offered cost savings from reduced berth occupancy as through-ship efficiency was greater. Furthermore, the quality of grain shipments could be maintained as Siwertell unloaders offer extremely low rates of material degradation in comparison with pneumatic unloaders. 

Our solution

After having out-performed all other competitor systems, Gramosa ordered a Siwertell ST 640-M ship unloader. It was delivered fully assembled in 2019, and in 2021 the terminal was completed. Following operator training, its new ship unloader was brought online. 

The rail-mounted unit is totally-enclosed, ensuring a spillage and dust-free operation. It has a continuous rated capacity of 1,200t/h and a peak one of 1,320t/h, discharging vessels up to 80,000 dwt. The terminal is equipped with storage silos for the onward transfer of dry bulk to trucks and rail wagons.

The unloader’s flexibility enables it to handle a number of different grains such as corn, soya meal, dried distillers grains (DDG), and canola seeds without any loss of efficiency or cargo quality, because Siwertell screw-type unloaders offer steady conveying velocities, minimizing any material degradation. 

Its new owners are happy with initial performance tests, which revealed that the capacity of the unloader exceeded the capacity of the receiving equipment. So, the unloader is ready to offer more, should the terminal require it.

The unloader is very well suited to the job it has been ordered for and the terminal can expect long-term, reliable and easy dry bulk material handling.