Called the Stingray mobile shiploader, the portable unit cuts facility downtime by trimming multiple hatches from one feed point.

“Repositioning a ship loader’s feed point or loading hopper cuts off the material flow from loader to ship, resulting in costly downtime,” Superior Industries engineering vice president Bob Domnick said.

“Our goal is to reduce the number of times a feed point needs to be moved and then speed the time it takes when relocation is required.”

It is not Superior’s first foray into telescopic conveyor technology. The company first introduced it into its products in 1997, and since then has manufactured nearly 1000 conveyors with the technology.

In marine terminal applications, the Stingray telescopic conveyor permits the equipment to extend an additional 30%. That, in turn, allows multiple hatches to be reached from the single feed point.

In addition, the company said, extension and retraction of the telescopic conveyor meant fully trimmed hatches while positioned over a hatch.

“We know of one client who compared a unit without this conveyor technology to one of our telescopic units,” Domnick said.

“According to their load sequence, our telescopic conveyor reduced the amount of moves required to load their vessel from 35 to seven.”

Aiding in the important factor of conveyor mobility, each Stingray is manufactured with expanded mobility packages at both the feed-point or tail of the conveyor and at its radial or drive tires.

“Often manufactured with track technology, portability at the shiploader’s feed-point allows for rapid relocation from hold-to-hold and simplifies movement on, off and throughout a terminal or port,” he said, noting that, in addition to the 360 degree rotation at the tail, the conveyor’s drive tires are equipped to move inline, transversely and radially.

A slight arch shape to the conveyor’s structure is a new feature for Superior. On the Stingray the design allows it to maintain a tight clearance between the conveyor and the vessel deck.

Making that adjustment, officials said, not only reduces the shiploader’s drop height to eliminate dust but also preserves material integrity and reduces the length of discharge chutes.

Superior said it would work closely with clients to build customer Stingrays for individual applications and specifications. This includes specific components and enhancements such as galvanized or epoxy finishes, belt covers, dust suppression/extraction systems, onboard power, remote controls, spillage defense, telescopic chutes, hoppers and other available options.

“Superior’s experience includes engineering and manufacturing work of some of the most complexly engineered conveyors, including the world’s highest capacity mobile telescopic radial travel conveyor,” Domnick said.

“The 72 inch (1800mm) wide by 190ft (58m)-long unit moves 5000 tons per hour at the Port of Tampa in Tampa, Florida.

“The first Stingray mobile shiploader is designed for Panamax vessels, but can be altered to accommodate other dimensions of dry bulk vessels and barges.”