The STS container cranes have a waterside outreach of 38m, span of 15.3m and a landside backreach of 11m. The S.W.L. of the cranes is 60 tonnes under twin lift spreader with a lift height of 28m under spreader.

Hoist speeds are 60-150m/min, trolley speed is 180m/min and crane travel speed is 45 m/min. Each of the recently installed RMG stacking cranes has a rail span of 63.00m with operational outreaches on either side of 15.00m. Lift height is 18.50m and safe working load is 45 tonnes under Spreader.

The solutions will provide customers with highly effective fully certified systems that are designed to combat RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) and small arms fire.

“Time and again we see bullet proof vests issued to crews without hard armour plates, and vessels using 8mm mild steel to protect the bridge, internal doors and citadels, which will do nothing against a round from an AK47,” said Edward Unwin, Sales Director Vessel Protection Solutions.

“Similarly, using double layers of standard mesh fencing to counter the threat of an RPG attack will actually increase the chance of a lethal detonation,” continued Unwin.

Following extensive research and live fire testing, as well as years of consultation with the defence industry and associated partners and suppliers, ISS and VPS will provide customers with a comprehensive range of advanced, high-tech protective countermeasures, including:

Light Armour System against Shaped Ordnance (LASSO)

A high tensile steel mesh that short circuits an RPG projectile rendering its explosive shape charge inert.. LASSO is deployed around the bridge offering protection to the crew whilst still allowing full visibility to the Master. The system can then be easily stowed when the vessel is not transiting high risk areas.

Ramor 500

Specially designed light-weight, armoured steel that offers comprehensive protection to the bridge and vessel’s access points. The armour is able to withstand multiple hits from high velocity rifle rounds including AK47 making it ideal for Citadel construction. The system does not require class recertification as it is lightweight and easily removable.

Composite Armour

A range of ultimate lightweight armour protection that has been designed specifically for the maritime industry. Products include fully certified Lloyds approved ballistic doors, weapon cabinets and removable ballistic panels. These STANAG certified products are ideal for offering enhanced protection to the bridge and internal access areas.

Anti-Ballistic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Certified Body Armour, Helmets, Hard Armour Plates and Soft Armour panels which have been specifically designed for maritime applications. These protective systems will provide significant increased survivability if the crew comes under small arms fire. These lightweight vests and helmets will also offer additional protection against fragmentation and blunt trauma.

Graham Fee, Project Manager, VPS Hub, Inchcape Shipping Services commented: “While Best Management Practices provides useful guidelines and recommendations to combat pirate attacks, when it comes to ballistic protection, shipowners need real counsel on the kind of solutions to adopt. Budgets are tight given the current economic climate, however there’s no point in just going for the cheapest material that may tick a compliance box but doesn’t work during an attack and invalidates insurance; ultimately costing more in the long-term. Our focus is to provide solutions that save lives, are cost efficient and are proven by both military and civil agencies.”

Claus Hyldager, Group Chief Executive, ISS, concluded: “Piracy is one of the greatest challenges the industry faces.  While the legislative debate continues on how to best tackle the issue in relation to armed guards, is it vital that shipowners have access to the best equipment and onboard vessel and crew armour that provides appropriate protection, right now. Our VPS operation and our expertise in this area is testament to our commitment to helping our customers meet these challenges that serve to impact the efficiency of their operations and the wellbeing of their crews.”

The acquisition of this German grain management specialist has enabled Bühler to significantly increase its conveying, cleaning, drying, dedusting, and storage competencies, especially in the area of grain collection. These capabilities are now united in the Grain Logistics business unit.

The new Grain Logistics business unit has its center of competence at the site of the former company Schmidt-Seeger GmbH in Beilngries, north of Munich. Since the acquisition by Bühler, a joint integra-tion team has been busy defining the future form of collaboration and the potential synergies. The operating business processes are not affected. Nothing will change for customers and other business partners as a result of this renaming into Bühler GmbH, and the usual contacts will be retained.

The new business unit meets the challenges of ensuring optimal grain supplies as a consequence of global population growth and climate changes. Our joint customers can in the future obtain further optimized and especially integrated solutions along their value-added chains from a single source. This is a significant contribution to quality assurance and retraceability of foods. In addition, the merging has expanded the global customer service network.

At www.buhlergroup.com/grain-logistics, the Grain Logistics business unit also presents its machine design adapted to the Bühler colors in addition to the new joint range of products and services.

However, six per cent fewer ships brought cargo and passengers into the port, showing an increase in overall efficiency. Chief executive Alec Don said: “We are pleased to see this steady growth, which is in line with expectations. With LNG now forming a significant part of the mix we expect a degree of volatility in overall port volumes from year to year, but are currently expecting a steady performance in 2012.”