Napier Port successfully loads first logs using prototype log grabs

New infrastructure set to improve operational efficiency and safety, and benefit customers

On Friday 2 September, Napier Port’s senior crane operators safely and successfully loaded logs onto the Norse Mobile bulk cargo vessel using log grabs custom-designed and built for use on the port’s existing mobile harbour cranes. Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson was on board the Norse Mobile to observe the initial operational trial and was very pleased to watch this new infrastructure in action.

Dawson said, “Our new log grabs are a significant safety improvement for log loading operations on port and are set to enable operational efficiencies with an increased throughput of logs. Not only is it a boost in productivity for vessels calling to Napier, loading logs onto charter vessels also represents a new service offering and revenue stream to Napier Port.”

“Alongside our new log-debarking facility, and other infrastructure projects in the pipeline, we are continuing to develop and invest in efficient cargo solutions for our customers and create greater value right across our operations.”

The port’s bulk cargo and crane teams have worked closely with Page Macrae Engineering over the last 18 months to develop the prototype log grabs to suit the specific operational requirements at Napier Port. Introducing log grab infrastructure to port operations reduces the need to rely on a ship’s own smaller cranes to load logs and will also allow Napier to welcome log vessels that don’t have cranes at all.

“Over the last few months, we’ve also worked collaboratively with our stevedoring tenant C3 to develop, plan and carry out this trial. A big thank you to their local operations team who have been genuine partners throughout this project. From an operational stand-point the feedback on the ground has been fantastic and we’re excited to fine-tune this new operation going forward,” added Dawson.