PRODUCT FOCUS
“This environment reinforces the need for lifting accessories that can be adapted quickly, certified internationally and deployed with confidence across a wide range of lifts,” says Modulift, a leading manufacturer of lifting beams and frames. “This makes the selection of below the hook lifting equipment a critical factor in both safety and efficiency. As a result, the breakbulk sector continues to drive innovation in lifting beams, frames and engineered lifting solutions, with an increasing focus on reducing manual handling, improving load control and ensuring compliance across complex lifting environments.” It sees that frames and spreader beams are now firmly embedded in modern breakbulk operations, particularly where repeatable lifts, sensitive cargo or high capacities are involved. “However, there remains scope for improvement across the industry in ensuring the right lifting equipment is matched to the right cargo,” it adds.
One challenge it sees is inappropriate lifting arrangements still used due to time pressure or limited equipment availability. “This highlights the importance of planning and access to both off the shelf modular beams for standard applications, as well as custom-designed frames and beams for niche or complex loads,” it says. Where lifts are complex, LMS wireless load monitoring and data logging can be integrated into the lifting arrangement to verify actual loads in real time and support safer lift planning. Overall, growth in large-scale project cargo,
particularly driven by the energy, infrastructure and offshore sectors, has accelerated demand for purpose-designed spreader beams and frames. They need to be capable of safely lifting fragile, high value components while maintaining controlled load paths and predictable sling angles. For Modulift, this has translated into the manufacture of increasingly high-capacity solutions, including trunnion spreader beams exceeding 1,500t. “Trunnion-based lifting systems address
several key challenges associated with breakbulk cargo,” it says. “By eliminating the need for shackles, they significantly reduce manual handling at height, remove potential failure points and speed up lifting operations.” Trunnion spreader beams also allow for the use of synthetic slings rather than wire rope, offering a lighter, more cost effective solution while reducing the risk of surface damage to sensitive cargo. “For ports handling repeat heavy lifts, these advantages directly support safer working practices and faster turnaround times,” it adds.
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www.hoistmagazine.com
Having the ability to rapidly change attachments to lift varied loads is important. “For delicate, high-value breakbulk cargo,
Aberdeen Web polyester round slings and webbing slings provide lightweight handling and surface protection, while pewag lifting points offer secure engineered attachment where dedicated pick-up points are required.” Modulift believes that the broader shift
towards engineered, repeatable lifting solutions reflects a growing recognition across the breakbulk sector that risk is best mitigated through design rather than procedural controls alone.
Launched in 2022, its multi point lifting beam is now established in the project cargo sector. It is designed to support lifts that require multiple adjustable lifting points, making it particularly effective for irregular or elongated breakbulk cargo where load distribution is critical. Its modular configuration allows operators to adapt the beam to suit different spans and constraints, while maintaining controlled sling angles and even load sharing. Key features include modular, adjustable lifting points to suit varying load dimensions and the ability to work as a lifting beam or semi- spreader, depending on configuration. It is also
suitable for the low headroom environments often found in ports and terminals. “These characteristics make the multi point beam a pragmatic option for terminals handling diverse breakbulk cargoes, particularly where flexibility and repeatability are required without the lead times associated with custom fabrication,” says Modulift.
Flexibility needed That same type of flexibility is required in the equipment. To this end, Kalmar offers a variety of different attachments for pipe handling, coils, paper pulps and rollers, and timber. This is important as its customers tend to be ports that prize versatility. “Small and medium- sized ports and terminals normally handle many different kinds of cargo, so they benefit significantly from Kalmar’s ability to easily change attachments, providing them with an excellent, versatile solution,” says Larrson. Part of the challenge is the variation in
breakbulk handling. “Breakbulk operations can be unpredictable,” says Hirani. “One week, a ship may carry steel coils, and the following week, wind turbine components. These issues
Greenfield says its versatility and flexibility are why clients keep coming back to them.
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