by GuestfromEU » August 13, 2022, 2:43 pm
The CSL Atlas and I believe a few other ocean-trading self-unloaders had articulated booms. There are several disadvantages that outweigh the benefits. The weight of an articulated boom is very high, with far more machinery to engage the pivot point, plus a second boom belt drive (motor, gearbox, pullies, take-up unit, belt, etc. all which add up to more weight and maintenance). More self-unloaders with shuttle booms were built, like the CSL Spirit, Sheila Ann, and Sophie Oldendorff. Those faced the same weight and equipment problems, but without the articulation issues. As can be seen from self-unloaders ordered after this time (c.2000) the idea proved less popular than a straight, fixed boom. Articulated booms have an advantage if discharging onto a pier which has a shore hopper placed in a less than convenient position, though these are few and far between. For open pile discharging, slewing the boom and shifting the vessel is less work overall with less ongoing repair and maintenance expenses. It is like the Kamengo feeder-style gates compared to traditional side-opening gates - the former promised many benefits but in the end they were replaced with the traditional design due to incompatibility with some cargos and high maintenance costs. The Mark Barker received the old boom from the American Victory (Middletown) as the condition was good and it will suit the unloading requirements for the trade of the vessel. I cannot say for sure what the maximum slewing angle is, but 100 degrees to port or starboard is a safe assumption.
The CSL Atlas and I believe a few other ocean-trading self-unloaders had articulated booms. There are several disadvantages that outweigh the benefits. The weight of an articulated boom is very high, with far more machinery to engage the pivot point, plus a second boom belt drive (motor, gearbox, pullies, take-up unit, belt, etc. all which add up to more weight and maintenance). More self-unloaders with shuttle booms were built, like the CSL Spirit, Sheila Ann, and Sophie Oldendorff. Those faced the same weight and equipment problems, but without the articulation issues. As can be seen from self-unloaders ordered after this time (c.2000) the idea proved less popular than a straight, fixed boom. Articulated booms have an advantage if discharging onto a pier which has a shore hopper placed in a less than convenient position, though these are few and far between. For open pile discharging, slewing the boom and shifting the vessel is less work overall with less ongoing repair and maintenance expenses. It is like the Kamengo feeder-style gates compared to traditional side-opening gates - the former promised many benefits but in the end they were replaced with the traditional design due to incompatibility with some cargos and high maintenance costs. The Mark Barker received the old boom from the American Victory (Middletown) as the condition was good and it will suit the unloading requirements for the trade of the vessel. I cannot say for sure what the maximum slewing angle is, but 100 degrees to port or starboard is a safe assumption.