SECTOR REPORT


provides real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance. “These trends reflect a broader push for sustainable, connected and high performance port operations,” it adds. Liebherr Maritime Cranes is responding with a range of solutions tailored to these evolving needs. They include the LHM 800 mobile harbour crane, available with electric main drives and offering high lifting capacities for heavy breakbulk cargo. In addition, the LPS 420 E is a fully electric portal crane designed for ports with environmental restrictions or urban proximity, offering reduced noise and no local emissions. Other innovations include Sycratronic, Liebherr’s tandem crane control system, which enables two cranes to be operated by a single operator, but retaining 100% lifting capacity. The company says this improves safety and efficiency during complex lifts. Liebherr’s key differentiators include a


modular design so that its cranes can easily be configured for specific cargo types, port layouts and environmental conditions.


Forklift fuels When it comes to forklift trucks, Hyster notes that electrification is a key area of interest for many customers. “We’re drawing on our expertise in electric forklift design to forge new power alternatives for high-capacity equipment that has traditionally relied on internal combustion engine (ICE) power,” it says. “These increasingly capable electric options are the result of a significant investment in engineering, testing and pilot programmes.” Hyster recently launched its J10-18XD series


of integrated lithium-ion high-capacity forklifts, which it says show its continued commitment to provide a practical electric solution with a competitive total cost of ownership. These electric lift trucks offer performance comparable to an ICE alternative, alongside advantages such as scalable battery options to match duty cycle and charging requirements. “This solution provides the flexibility to tailor the power, and the truck, to meet the requirements of a broad range of differing operating requirements,” it adds. “We took steps with this series to help ease the transition for operations pursuing decarbonisation, which includes...commonality with equivalent diesel Hyster models.” However, while electrification of higher capacity lift trucks is moving forward, Hyster argues that it is not yet the right solution for every application. In some cases, switching to greener fuel types, such as HVO100 (hydrotreated vegetable oil), might help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. Hyster heavy-duty forklifts can use HVO 100 according to the EN15940 standard. This


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alternative to diesel can reduce CO2


emissions


by up to 90%. Hyster says it supports compliance with Stage IIIA, Tier III, Tier IV and Stage V emissions regulations and can be easily applied in the field, or factory-fitted for new equipment. For applications using diesel fuel, Hyster equipment is designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping support fuel economy and emissions levels. “The right equipment choice will always depend on the particular needs of the operation, such as the demands and intensity of the application,” it says. “There will also be factors dictated by infrastructure and working patterns. There are also geographical considerations – certain energy options like electricity and hydrogen are more affordable in some countries than others.” Cost is an important factor, as the price of solutions will vary based on the equipment type, power source, charging or refuelling infrastructure and other factors. “Work in intense industries like breakbulk


also often requires special consideration to reach productivity targets,” adds Hyster. “Material handling solutions must be carefully chosen, and sometimes uniquely configured, for rugged conditions and difficult freight.” Breakbulk sites should contemplate several


factors when selecting forklifts to meet specific challenges. Variability of load types, regulatory compliance, product and vessel damage, increased costs and longer shipping times are all daily issues for breakbulk applications. Hyster provides tough forklifts, with capacities up to 48t, that can leverage specialised, flexible attachments to handle non-standard loads, or can be customised to unique challenges where needed.


With the services of its Special Products Engineering Department (SPED), Hyster can also customise a solution for unusual needs or special applications where custom forklifts are required.


“Whether truck choices are related to


productivity, safety or operating environments, operations should be sure that each decision or customisation is justified and that the solution is flexible enough to change with the business and its goals,” it says. At the Seaonus Stevedoring location in Jacksonville, USA, more than 1,000t of throughput are handled per day. This includes paper rolls, pulp and palletised paper in containers in conjunction with lumber, steel and super sacks. The site needs solutions to accommodate this wide range of breakbulk applications, managing large, expensive and damage prone products. Seaonus needs to keep cargo moving on vessels and within their warehouse. Here,


Hyster heavy-duty forklifts can use HVO100 fuel.


the challenge is that operations include low heights in cargo elevators and tight aisles in warehouses. Hyster Big Trucks with highly controllable paper handling attachments provided a solution to help efficiently move multiple paper rolls simultaneously, with a forklift cab that optimises operator visibility and light packages for added support – all helping to mitigate damage. Furthermore, Hyster forklifts were built


to Seaonus’ unique specifications to deliver dimensions low enough to enter and exit cargo elevators, and which feature a short wheelbase chassis to provide the level of manoeuvrability needed in the warehouse. With its Hyster fleet, Seaonus achieves maximum efficiency and uptime to handle 400,000t of throughput annually without overhauling its facility.


Ports perspective DLM also asked the Louisiana Gateway Port – formally known as Plaquemines Port – to provide an alternative perspective. Located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, the port provides water access to more than 30 states and is well positioned to serve the global markets for oil, gas, grain, coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and chemicals.


However, it is battling against excess


breakbulk capacity both locally and nationally. “We are not seeing growth primarily because there is too much breakbulk capacity on the Mississippi River,” says Charles Tillotson, executive director of Louisiana Gateway Port. He explains that breakbulk shipping


remains essential for cargo that is difficult to containerise. Additionally, fluctuating container carrier rates lead breakbulk shippers to switch between modes, as seen during the Covid-19 container shortage. “US regions like Baltimore, Houston and New Orleans will remain high volume breakbulk ports


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