Project · Cranes & ports

Robust cable carrier for a telescopic unloading arm at a coal terminal in the Port of Rotterdam

For the telescopic unloading arm of a bulk handling machine at a coal terminal in Rotterdam, we supplied a cable carrier that runs 24/7 in dust, salty sea air and storms, and checked the complete installation on site.

Cable carrier with orange cables on the extendable unloading arm, with the coal terminal in the background
Customer
Coal terminal, Port of Rotterdam
Sector
Cranes & ports
Region
Rotterdam
Solution
Cable carriers

01 · Challenge

Challenge

In the Port of Rotterdam, everything revolves around speed and continuity. At this coal terminal, a bulk handling machine is used to unload ships. The machine's telescopic unloading arm is a crucial component, but conditions there are far from ideal. The cable carriers that guide the power and data cables have to perform 24/7 in an extremely dusty environment. Coal dust is not only polluting but also abrasive, which with standard solutions leads to rapid wear of the pivot points. In addition, the system is exposed to every kind of weather: from salty sea air to storms and driving rain.

02 · Solution

Solution

As exclusive partner of Tsubaki Kabelschlepp, we know that standard work does not suffice here. For this heavy industry, we chose a configuration specifically designed for long travel lengths and heavy contamination. Because the unloading arm is telescopic, the energy chain must keep running smoothly without dust building up in the critical parts.

We not only supplied the components, but our specialists also went on site for a thorough inspection. Our role within our services goes beyond just supplying; we checked the complete installation and optimised the alignment of the guide channel. Thanks to our many years of experience since 1975, we immediately saw where improvements were possible in the strain relief of the cables, which is essential to prevent cable breakage in continuous use.

03 · Result

Result

The result is a reliable system that withstands the harshest conditions in the port. The new cable carrier ensures that the unloading arm can extend without hesitation, regardless of the amount of dust or the weather. Thanks to our advice on preventive maintenance and the correct chain tension, the risk of unplanned downtime is kept to a minimum. The customer can once again count on an installation that keeps going day and night, supported by the robust technology of steel cable carriers or high-quality plastic hybrid solutions that we select specifically for heavy-duty applications like this.

Photos · 4

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