Cement Carrier Cargo Handling Orders for MacGregor

Two new 20,000 dwt cement carriers on order in China will feature advanced MacGregor cement handling systems.

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has secured an order with Shanhaiguan New Shipbuilding Industry in China for advanced bulk-handling systems for a pair of 20,000 dwt cement carriers on order for Singapore based Associated Bulk Carriers (ABC) which is a fully owned subsidiary of dry cargo shipowner Precious Shipping PCL, Thailand.

Precious Shipping operates in the small handy-size sector of the tramp freight market. The identical sisterships will be equipped with MacGregor cement self-unloading/loading systems combining mechanical and pneumatic technologies to deliver a self-unloading rate up to 1,000 t/h with pneumatic discharge system or 2x250t/h with discharging directly to on shore cement trucks and a self-loading rate up to 1,000 t/h for both pneumatic and mechanical loading systems.

Equipment for the first vessel is scheduled to be delivered this summer with the second following later in the year; the order also includes an option for a third system.

"As well as being environmentally-friendly, the MacGregor systems will offer a flexible, reliable and efficient approach to dry bulk transfer," said Anders Berencsy, Sales Manager, Selfunloading systems. "They will give the vessels the ability to use almost any port facility. This level of versatility was one of the main reasons for choosing our system.

He continued, "One of the critical factors when handling cement is avoiding water ingress. MacGregor's totally-enclosed system eliminates the risk of water penetration; it is ideal for the South East Asian climate, subject to the problems associated with Monsoon rains and high humidity.