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Excavators Onboard: Efficiency in Bulk Cargo Handling

Port logistics demand precision, agility, and solutions that reduce operation time without compromising safety or service quality. In this context, the use of excavators inside the cargo holds of bulk carriers has become an essential practice to optimize the unloading of bulk cargo such as fertilizers, minerals, grains, and other non-containerized solid materials.

Onboard, these machines perform critical functions—from breaking up compacted materials to strategically repositioning cargo to facilitate crane operations. The result is a faster, safer, and more efficient operation—factors that directly impact terminal competitiveness and shipowner satisfaction.

The Role of Excavators in Port Operations

During the unloading of bulk vessels, it’s common for part of the cargo to accumulate in hard-to-reach areas or become compacted against the hold walls. Excavators are deployed to:

  • Break up agglomerated cargo, making it easier for lifting equipment to remove

  • Apply mechanical force and vibration, loosening material from the hold’s internal structures

  • Reposition cargo, placing it in strategic areas for crane grabs to collect more efficiently

  • Reduce vessel dwell time at port, optimizing berth usage and freeing space for new operations

These functions make excavators indispensable allies in the pursuit of productivity and operational excellence.

Operational and Logistical Benefits

Using onboard excavators offers a range of advantages for port operators, shipowners, and end clients:

1. Faster Unloading

With excavators actively rearranging cargo, the time required to complete the operation is significantly reduced. This allows for higher vessel turnover and better utilization of port infrastructure.

2. Cost Reduction

Shorter operation times mean lower consumption of resources such as energy, labor, and auxiliary equipment. It also helps avoid additional charges like demurrage fees for delayed vessel release.

3. Operational Safety

Excavators minimize the need for manual intervention in risky areas, reducing exposure to accidents and improving onboard working conditions.

4. Precision in Cargo Handling

Machines can be operated remotely or by trained professionals, ensuring cargo is moved carefully and according to the stowage plan.

Types of Cargo That Benefit

While this technique is most common in bulk carriers, excavators can be used across various vessel types and cargo categories:

  • Fertilizers: often compacted, requiring disaggregation for efficient removal

  • Minerals: heavy and dense, needing mechanical force for effective movement

  • Grains: such as soybeans and corn, which may accumulate in inaccessible areas

  • Industrial cargo: like coils, metal sheets, and profiles, requiring precise positioning

The versatility of excavators allows them to adapt to different scenarios and operational needs.

Hoisting and Safety: Getting the Excavator Into the Hold

To operate inside the ship’s hold, excavators must be hoisted using port cranes. This process requires technical planning, risk assessment, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Before hoisting, the following are evaluated:

  • Excavator weight and dimensions

  • Crane capacity and vessel structural integrity

  • Weather conditions and vessel stability

  • Presence of certified operators and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Once positioned inside the hold, the excavator is operated by trained personnel following specific procedures to ensure the safety of the cargo, vessel, and crew.

Impact on Port Efficiency

Using onboard excavators directly improves key performance indicators at port terminals. Notable impacts include:

  • Reduced average operation time per vessel

  • Increased daily service capacity

  • Improved predictability of berth windows

  • Higher satisfaction among shipowners and clients

These outcomes reinforce the importance of investing in operational solutions that combine technology, expertise, and agility.

Trends and Innovation

With the rise of automation and digitalization in the maritime sector, new technologies are being integrated into excavator operations:

  • Remote operation monitoring

  • Load and position sensors

  • Integration with Terminal Operating Systems (TOS)

  • Use of electric or hybrid excavators, reducing environmental impact

These innovations point to a future where efficiency is increasingly driven by data, connectivity, and sustainability.

Excavators as Allies of Maritime Efficiency

The presence of excavators inside ship holds represents an evolution in port practices, especially in bulk cargo handling. By combining mechanical strength, precision, and agility, this technique contributes to faster, safer, and more cost-effective operations.

For companies involved in shipping agency and port coordination, understanding and applying this solution is a strategic step toward logistical excellence. Onboard excavators are not just equipment—they are tools for operational transformation.

Contact Us

United Port Services Shipping Agency

commercial@unitedportservices.com.br operations@unitedportservices.com.br

Phone: +55 13 99693-4116 ( Luiz Renato Nascimento)
Phone: +55 13 99112-4991  ( Marcelo Branco)

Website: https://unitedportservices.com.br