Sandvik Mining and Construction has signed a contract with Erts- en Kolen Overslagbedrijf Maasvlakte (EKOM) for the supply of a shiploader at Europees Massagoed Overslagbedrijf (EMO) terminal, Rotterdam. As part of the port extension at Maasvlakte in Rotterdam the new Sandvik shiploader with a capacity of 6,000 t/h will replace an existing shiploader for loading of coal and iron ore vessels.

“We are pleased that Sandvik won the bid for our new shiploader and we are confident that the project will be a success”, says Ton van der Leer, Manager Projects & ICT of EMO.

Sandvik says it was awarded the contract having “delivered a good technical proposal to the customer, showing the potential of providing excellent technical solutions based on Sandvik’s vast experience in designing shiploaders in ports. The contract became effective in November 2010 and start of operation is scheduled for May 2012.”

The EMO dry bulk terminal has been located at Maasvlakte Rotterdam since 1973. It is the largest dry bulk terminal in Europe and it specialises in the unloading and storage of iron ore and coal. These products arrive from all over the world. Offering direct access to the North Sea at a draught of 23 m EMO handles vessels from Panamax up to the largest dry bulk carriers presently trading. Operating 24 hours a day, 360 days a year, and unloading about 35 Mt/y, EMO is a vital part of the supply chain of iron ore and coal for the European steel and electricity industries.