Replacement of Bulk Handling Machines on Existing Wharves.

Shiploaders and ship unloaders are essential components of port facilities used for importing and exporting bulk products like iron ore, coal, bauxite, grain, and refined products. However, these machines are typically designed to last 25 years, and many of the machines in Australia are already approaching 40 years of age, resulting in several issues for the owners. The maintenance of aging machines is costly and difficult, negatively impacting their availability, and the environmental performance is typically poor on older machines, leading to dust emissions and spillages. Moreover, the machines' condition and design may not conform to modern safety standards, and the mechanical and electrical equipment may become outdated, rendering spare parts unavailable. Therefore, it is often more feasible to replace these machines with optimised modern equipment rather than refurbishing them. A new machine can eliminate the above problems and can be readily transported in one piece on a heavy lift vessel, minimising change-over time. Another reason to opt for a new machine is to repurpose the facility for other commodities, such as lithium ore and other critical minerals, whose demand is expected to increase in the coming years. Installing a replacement machine on an existing wharf may however pose restrictions due to load capacity and structural degradation, necessitating an assessment and potential upgrade of the wharf facility in tandem with machine replacement. This paper outlines the decisionmaking process for refurbishing or replacing a shiploader/ship unloader, including the advantages and disadvantages of the replacement option. It also discusses key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a replacement shiploader/ship unloader. Finally, this paper presents case studies involving shiploader and ship unloader replacement projects involving the authors' company, offering valuable insights into important factors to consider when undertaking similar projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]