Cargo Handling

Cargo handling is usually divided into four phases:

Terminal storage
Transfer from storage area to apron cargo hook
Hook to hold
Stowage of cargo

When ordering a new ship the ship owner normally specifies the number, safe
working load, position and any special features of the cargo handling derrick to
be fitted.
Cargo handling can be divided into the following categories:
1. DERRICK RIG SYSTEMS
Although gradually being ousted by deck cranes, this system has been the most
popular method of handling cargo.
a) Fixed Outreach Systems
The union purchase system is the most common outreach system.

The system utilizes two derricks and two winches with the derrick in fixed
positions. One derrick is arranged over the quayside and the other over the hold.
By a combination of hoisting on both winches and hoisting on one winch and
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Prof.Dr.YousriWelaya

payin
ng out on the
t other winch
w
it is possible
p
to transfer fro
om the qua
ayside to th
he
hold or vice versa.

s the follow
wing disadva
antages:
This system has

It can on
nly be used
d between a fixed po
oint on the quayside and a fixe
ed
point in the
t hold; this creates a serious problem
p
of manhandlin
m
ng the carg
go
into its sttowed posittion.
Due to the sharing of the load
d between two derriccks, overloa
ading of on
ne
derrick can occur if the operatiion is not properly man
naged and arising from
m
y harbor au
uthorities ha
ave expresssed their co
oncern abo
out its use.
this many

b Swinging Derrick Rigs

b)
R
All th
hese rigs have
h
been developed
d to enable
e accurate spotting of the load
d.
Thesse designs usually (bu
ut not alwa
ays) include
e a hoisting
g, topping and slewin
ng
winch. Whilst th
hese rigs ca
an perform
m all the fun
nctions of a deck cran
ne they havve
the basic
b
disad
dvantages of
o being co
onfined to one hatch,, i.e. they cannot
c
slew
w
o
throu
ugh 360 .

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2. HEAVY LIFTING SYSTEMS

The conventional method of lifting heavy loads is shown in figure and consists of
one or two hoisting winches lifting on a multi-fall system. In addition, the topping
and slewing motions operate through a multi-part rope system to ensure control
of the load all the time.

The introduction of patented heavy lift systems (and the introduction of heavy
deck cranes) has created a decline in the heavy lift derrick. A typical patented
heavy derrick is shown in figure below (Stlken Derrick). With this system loads
up to 300 tonne can be lifted and it has the unique advantage of being able to
operate in two holds. It is positioned between two outwardly raked tapering
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tubullar columns
s. Several winches arre provided
d for the va
arious hoistting, slewin
ng
and topping
t
dutties. The co
ontrols are all arrange
ed as leverss in one con
nsole, whicch
can be operate
ed by one man.
m
Smalller derrickss are also rigged
r
from
m the tubula
ar
mns for norrmal cargo work.
w
colum

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Special precautions have to be taken when lifting heavy loads to ensure

adequate stability of the vessel and correct functioning of equipment as angles of
inclination up to 17o could be encountered.
The yo-yo arrangement
For loads heavier than the safe working load of a single derrick, two derricks
coupled together by a yo-yo arrangement may be used. The derrick heads must
be kept close together during operation.

3. DECK CRANES
This is the most recent method of handling cargo onboard ships. They have the
following advantages:

Rigging time is negligible, i.e. port time is reduced

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The safe working load can range from 25 to 90 tonne and the jib radius
from 20 to 35 m. For heavy lift cranes these values could reach 350 tonne
and 60 m.
Spotting cargo very accurately
Readiness for action
They require only one operator
They provide more usable deck space and greater visibility from the bridge
Greater safety is inherent in the crane over conventional cargo gear
The cranes operating gear and controls can be located within a protecting
enclosure. This protection reduces maintenance and provides protection
for the operator

However, cranes are perhaps less efficient with light loads. For large beam ships
if the cranes are positioned on the ships centerline, they may require an
extremely long jib. Therefore, fixed cranes, one at each end of the hatch, may be
placed at opposite corners.

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As shown in figure a typical crane consists of a jib which can be lowered to the
horizontal for stowage purposes, and a hoisting unit which can be on a single fall
of rope or multi falls depending on the lifting capacity. Facility is provided for
slewing the crane through 360o. The main specifications of a deck crane are the
hoisting capacity in tonne, the jib radius in m, and the hoisting speed in m/min.
Some of the patented deck cranes are shown below. They are all designed to
meet the rules of all classification societies and regulatory bodies.
MacGregor Compact and Slim Crane
These electro-hydraulic cranes are intended for various duties, particularly where
dimensions must be compact and air-draft is limited. These cranes can be
equipped with the tools needed for handling various cargoes, such as containers
or bulk materials. The standard range covers lifting capacities from 36 to 45
tonnes. Outreaches are between 20-34 m.

MacGregor Container and Multipurpose Cargo Crane

These electro-hydraulic cranes are self-contained units with all machinery
enclosed in the crane house. This protects it from the weather, corrosion and
damage. The standard GL range covers lifting capacities from 25 to 90 tonnes,
with outreaches up to 32 m. Hoisting, luffing and slewing motions are

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independent of each other. This means that at their maximum capacity GL

cranes can operate at full speed using all three movements at the same time.

MacGregor Heavy Lift and Multipurpose Crane

The standard range covers lifting capacities from 120 to 350 tonnes, with
outreaches up to 36 m. Like the previous type, hoisting, luffing and slewing
motions are independent of each other.

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Liebherr Articulated Deck Crane

This is a double girder container crane especially designed for use in harbour
complexes where high turnover and continuous operation are required. The
control of the turntable ensures the unchanged position (rotation axis) of the
container during loading and unloading. Driver's cabin is positioned on the
underside of the container rotating arms allowing unrestricted view of the
containers.

Liebherr Heavy Lift Deck Crane

This crane is designed for installation on heavy lift vessels a well as multipurpose vessels providing the following advantages:

Low height allowing for better visibility from the bridge.

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Low weight and centre of gravity leading to improved vessel stability and
moreover increased cargo capacity.

Liebherr Wire-Luffing Cranes

These are designed for bulk and container handling with the following
advantages:

Hydraulic control instead of electronic.

Jib brackets are directly integrated in jib beam for higher rigidity.
Wire sheaves inside beam for better protection.

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Twin
n Cranes
Theyy consist of two indepe
endent cran
nes of equa
al capacity mounted
m
on
n a commo
on
platfo
orm which
h can be rotated in
ndependently. Each crane can be use
ed
indivvidually for normal
n
carg
go working,, but when a heavy liftt is required
d the jibs arre
slewe
ed parallel to each other and a lifting beam
m is conneccted betwee
en the carg
go
hookks. A variation of the id
dea has bee
en used witth cranes of unequal capacity.
c

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