Newly commissioned Siwertell ship unloader increases cement handling capacity for Kuwait operator 

23 Sep 2024

Bruks Siwertell has recently completed the commissioning of an ST 490-M Siwertell ship unloader for returning customer, Kuwait Portland Cement Co. It was installed on a jetty in Shuwaikh Port, Kuwait City, Kuwait, next to the operator’s existing rail-mounted ST 490-F Siwertell unit, which has been securing efficient, environment-friendly material handling for over two decades.

The ongoing performance of Kuwait Portland Cement Co’s original Siwertell ship unloader was one of the main reasons why the operator opted for a second unit. The new rail-mounted ship unloader handles various cement types and delivers a continuous material handling capacity of 800t/h, discharging vessels up 80,000 dwt. 

Both unloaders are designed to operate in Kuwait’s extremely hot climate. To accommodate predicted temperature rises in the region, the latest unit can withstand ambient summertime temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius. 

“Commissioning the new ship unloader in these very high temperatures was a challenge,” notes Bengt Svensson, Senior Contract Manager, Bruks Siwertell. “However, we overcame it, and have now completed the installation and operator training. The new unloader has passed its performance tests, fulfilling the operator’s expectations. 

“Kuwait Portland Cement has benefited from over 20 years of experience using our Siwertell screw-type technology, and we hope that the new unit will bring many more,” continues Svensson. “The operator also knows that it can rely on our ongoing service and support. In fact, with two similar models, it will benefit from shared spare parts and maintenance strategies.” 

Global installations of Siwertell ship unloaders demonstrate their ability to deliver reliable, efficient, and environment-friendly operations, eliminating spillage and minimizing dust emissions and noise in dry bulk handling operations.

The new unloader features a new side tilt motion, which offers an enhanced reach into the corners of the cargo hold as well as under the hatch coamings. This additional maneuverability means that even less material is left for the clean-up phase, which reduces vessel turnaround times, raising the utilization rate of the jetty and therefore profitability. 

Furthermore, all Siwertell unloaders offer a layer-by-layer unloading process, which minimizes the chance of airborne emissions from avalanches in the cargo hold. The side tilt function adds to this capability. 

Both the current and new unloader are also equipped with a total capacity regulating system, maximizing the use of each unit, and ensuring that they do not overfill the downstream conveying system. They can also directly discharge to bulk trucks via a truck loading arrangement underneath the ship unloader’s gantry. This configuration increases the flexibility and efficiency of the operation.