Brake system upgrade on Bruks ship loader ensures climate-ready operations

13 Dec 2024

Bruks Siwertell has won a significant retrofit contract for an auxiliary braking system upgrade. It will be fitted to an existing Bruks ship loader installed in southern USA. This strategic project underpins Bruks Siwertell’s commitment to long-term customer support with innovative solutions that optimize safety and operational availability.

The Bruks ship loader was delivered more than a decade ago and is a critical asset in a renewable energy supply chain, loading vessels up to 50,000 dwt with wood biomass pellets.

“In response to recent severe weather events in the region, which have severely impacted equipment availability and operability, the operator needed a solution that could ensure safety and protect the structural integrity of the loader from unforeseen weather events, especially high winds,” says Gregory Hausler, Aftermarket Sales Manager, Bruks Siwertell.

“The rail clamp auxiliary braking system will ensure that the ship loader remains secure and operational under adverse conditions,” he adds. “As the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Bruks Siwertell is uniquely positioned to deliver tailored upgrades that integrate seamlessly with existing systems, ensuring enhanced safety and long-term reliability.

“The operator’s decision to select Bruks Siwertell for this crucial project highlights the company’s confidence in our technology and emphasises our long and trusting relationship,” Hausler notes.

The scope of the project includes: engineering and design services; the procurement of all required equipment; modifications to the existing travel bogies to integrate the new rail clamp system; and updates to the electrical and control systems.

To streamline the installation process, the necessary bogie assemblies will be shop-fabricated and pre-assembled under Bruks Siwertell’s supervision. These components will be shipped to the site, ready for installation and integration by an external team, with Bruks Siwertell overseeing the start-up and commissioning phases to guarantee successful implementation.

The upgrade project is scheduled for completion within a five-month timescale, positioning the operator to better withstand future weather challenges and maintain uninterrupted operations.