The Port Sutton Bridge sits just a few miles inland of the coastline of The Wash, historically one of the most important trading routes with Europe.
Port Infrastructure and Vessel Capabilities
Recently incorporated into the Gold Star group of companies, the port originally opened in 1881on the banks of the River Nene. It is the only heavy-lift port on the river, providing a 350 metre long wharf that accommodates between four and five vessels with a maximum vessel size of 120 metres length and 17 metres beam.
Specialist Cargo and Heavy Lift Reputation
“Whilst vessels of up to 5000 DWT and six metres draught can be accommodated on the spring tides, we can regularly handle vessels up to 3000 DWT on a daily basis,” commented Director Gavin Patrick. “We are essentially a dry goods port handling bagged sand and cement, scrap metals and bricks. Thanks to the substantial quayside construction, we are also building a reputation for the ability to handle a variety of heavy lift operations.”
The Search for a Superior Material Handler
Whilst the heavy lift projects are handled by one of the UK’s leading heavy logistics companies, the day-to-day cargo handling is undertaken in house by the experienced Port Sutton Bridge team. “When we purchased the site, the deal included a material handler which had seen better days,” Gavin explained. “Our plans to increase the throughput of material at the site meant we needed to find a suitable replacement. Already operating a small fleet of material handlers throughout the group’s other sites, we had a good idea what we wanted for Sutton Bridge. Whilst our fleet is dominated by Sennebogen material handlers, they are all smaller machines, and we felt that we needed to look at other material handlers on the wider market before making such an important purchasing decision.”
Selecting the Sennebogen 865E Hybrid
With a selection of quotes received, the details were analysed before the decision to purchase one of the new Sennebogen 865E Hybrid material handlers was made. “We received cheaper quotes for the basic machine, but it was the entire package offered by Molson Green which made the decision a relatively easy one for us,” says Gavin. “Throughout the rest of the fleet, we have had very little in the way of issues with Sennebogen material handlers. They are well built and designed to handle almost any operation.”
Exclusive Expertise and Range
The 865E Hybrid material handlers are one of over 20 different material handers in the German manufacturer’s range, all of which are sold and serviced exclusively by Molson Green in the UK. “We can offer a huge range of material handlers from just 18 tonnes to over 400 tonnes in operating weight,” explains Brian Albiston, Molson Green’s Product Specialist. “As a manufacturer, Sennebogen are focussed on the material handling sector, designing productive, operator friendly and fuel efficient machines just for this industry.”
Undercarriage Specs and Safety Features
When specifying the new material handler, Gavin was able to choose from a huge option list, enabling him to build the machine to ideally suit all the applications that the port will see. With three wheeled and one crawler undercarriage to choose from, Gavin opted for the MP80 wheeled option, which sits on four 26.5-25 solid rubber tyres. The heavy-duty undercarriage comes with four point outriggers which spread the weight of the machine when operating, providing a stable platform on any surface. At almost 2m high, the undercarriage is fitted with substantial galvanised steps and handrails, allowing safe and easy access to the machine’s upper structure from any position.
Power Units and Stage V Compliance
The huge green upper structure of the 865E Hybrid material handlers house a 261Kw Cummins X12 diesel engine which meets Stage V emissions regulations. Like many of the Sennebogen material handlers range, this is accessed through large gullwing style canopies on each side of the machine.
Operator Comfort and Port Visibility
Like the undercarriage, the cab and cab riser choice can be selected to suit a variety of applications. The Sutton Bridge machine has been specified with an E300/270 riser which allows the operator to lift and push forward the cab, allowing them a better view into the hold of vessels they are loading or unloading. The large and spacious cab offers a host of ‘home comforts’ for the main operator, John Baggaley, including a premium, air-suspended and heated seat with a range of movement designed to suit any operating style. Along with the Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio and ample storage solutions, the cab has been laid out to allow for easy and intuitive operation. “It’s a very comfortable cab to spend a long shift in,” John commented.
Boom Configuration and Reach Capabilities
With the need to handle a variety of cargo types, the Sennebogen material handlers range can be configured with a variety of boom and stick options. For example, the 865E material handlers are available with eight different options ranging from 18m up to 25m. There are two boom options: K for straight industrial and B for greater reach at depth. Both the K25 and B24 come in Port configuration, offering a longer reach with more load capacity. The Port Sutton machine has been delivered with the B24 option giving a 24m reach, allowing it to easily service the vessels of up to 17m beam the port accommodates. A standard fit camera has been joined by an additional unit on the stick allowing operators to carefully direct the attachment where it is required. With a wide variety of cargo to handle at the port, the Sennebogen has been delivered with a sack lifter, carne hook with additional weigh-loader and an 1800 litre Rotobec orange peel grab.
Increased ROI and 27% Fuel Savings
“In the first three years of operating the port, we have almost doubled the volume of cargo handled year on year.” Gavin commented. “We are looking at almost 200,000 tonnes this year which has been made achievable with the addition of the Sennebogen 865E. What’s more, we’re increasing our productivity on the site, while at the same time decreasing our fuel burn by 27%, which we estimate will save us around £19,000 per year. Add this to the higher availability we will see with the Sennebogen and the better residuals we will get for it, and the small amount of extra money we paid for the machine soon disappears into insignificance.”
The decrease in fuel consumption is partially down to the fitment of a third boom cylinder filled with nitrogen. The gas in this cylinder compresses as the boom lowers and then expands again when the boom raises increasing the lift power of the boom reducing fuel consumption in the Cummins engine.
Reliable Service and Future Fleet Expansion
The machine was delivered in just two separate parts allowing the four-strong Molson team to quickly build it and get it up and running. “We’ve also been impressed with the service we’ve received since the machine started work,” says Gavin. “For example, we had a pipe come loose late one afternoon and had to call in our back up machine to complete the vessel. We called Molson and when I got in at 7am the following morning, the machine was up and running again. I simply can’t fault the service we’ve received. Having this level of confidence in Molson has led us to place an order for a second, identical machine to be delivered in the near future.”
