Siwertell secures new fertilizer unloader order for operations near the Arctic Circle

2 Nov 2017

Siwertell has secured a contract for an ST 490-M ship unloader from Norway's leading mineral fertiliser producer, Yara International. The new unit will join a long-serving, existing Siwertell unloader at the company's Glomfjord site, ensuring the continued efficient, safe and clean unloading of various fertilisers. The order was booked into Cargotec's fourth quarter 2017 order intake, with delivery planned for June 2019. 

"Yara was one of Siwertell's first customers, taking advantage of our unique screw-type unloading concept in 1979," says Peter Göransson, Sales Manager & Senior Advisor, Siwertell. "Its wealth of experience operating a Siwertell unloader, combined with our ongoing support and aftercare were big influences in Yara's decision to once again invest in Siwertell's proven technology.

"Our diverse and lengthy experience with bulk handling systems was also an important factor in winning this contract," he adds.

The new unloader will predominantly handle various types of rock phosphate discharging ships of up to 20 000 dwt and maintains a continuous rated discharge of 600t/h, with a peak capacity of 700t/h. 

Norway's stringent environmental regulations meant that in addition to high discharge capacities, Yara needed an installation designed to meet these requirements as well. "Siwertell's screw-type ship unloader was chosen for its environmental credentials, which include high levels of efficiency and a totally-enclosed conveyor system, eliminating dust emissions and spillage," explains Mr Goransson. 

"This technology is the only safe and acceptable discharge method that can be used in sensitive marine environments such as a Norwegian fjord, where very strict environmental regulations are in force and air and water pollution is totally out of the question. 

"These environmental restrictions, combined with the prevailing high winds at the site, limited the number of options for mechanical ship unloaders," adds Mr Goransson. "After evaluating other screw-type ship unloaders, Siwertell's mechanical screw-type ship unloader with its totally-enclosed conveying system was the preferred choice."

Designed to work in the harsh Arctic climate, the unloader is also equipped with an advanced electrical control system, including the Siwertell monitoring system, known as SIMON; a PC-based human machine interface (HMI), which offers quick trouble-shooting, easy unloader start-up, an analysing tool for problem-solving, a preventive maintenance guide and remote access by Siwertell engineers. A collision protection system against objects on the quay, as well as a CCTV system for safe operation is also included in the unloader delivery.

Using steel structures produced in southern Europe and equipment built in Sweden, the unloader will be erected and commissioned at a southern-European port before being transported by heavy-lift vessel to Glomfjord.