Breakbulk In Rotterdam

As the “largest gathering of project cargo professionals covering the entire supply chain”, Breakbulk Europe will attract over 9,000 visitors from 120-plus countries as well as more than 600 exhibitors.

This year, the event takes place alongside Europe’s largest port at the Rotterdam Ahoy conference centre in Holland, on 6-8 June 2023.

Elebia Autohooks, which sells automatic lifting solutions, are among the companies that will be exhibiting. The products it will have on show include the eLink central data acquisition and control system, C5 and C6 automatic horizontal lifting clamps, and the patented Evo range of lifting hooks for cranes.

The eLink allows for the control of lifting hooks, either individually or in groups, through a web application. Its in/out capabilities allow for crane automation using the hooks’ sensors, “providing increased productivity, enhanced safety, and improved tracking and service”.

One of the highlights of Elebia’s product range is the Evo2 automatic hook, which is designed to be smaller, lighter and more compact than its larger counterparts. It weighs 7kg and has a working load limit of 2,500kg.

Meanwhile, Elebia’s Evo5 to Evo25 crane lifting hooks have been designed to bring customers multiple options that can fit the needs of the heaviest lifting operations. Like the Evo2, these hooks allow for remote engagement and release.

As mentioned, in addition to its range of automatic hooks, Elebia will also be showcasing its C5 and C6 automatic horizontal lifting clamps. The company says the clamps are ideal for lifting and moving steel plates, beams or pipes in a secure and safe manner, minimising risks and enhancing safety in lifting operations.

Modulift is exhibiting at this year’s Breakbulk Europe alongside Load Monitoring Systems (LMS).

 Modulift designs and manufactures ‘below the hook’ lifting equipment and will be showcasing its latest innovation: the Multi-Point Beam. With the option of a swivel hook and the ability to be used as a semi-spreader, lifting beam or for tandem lifts, this beam offers a great deal of flexibility, and more than a standard beam.

LMS will be showcasing its Wireless Load Link and Load Pin Shackle units as well as its Digital Padeye Tester with an on-board digital display. It will also be showcasing its Wireless Centre of Gravity System. Based in Aberdeen, Scotland, LMS products and services are supplied to over 45 countries and to many industry sectors including oil and gas, marine, subsea, decommissioning, construction, mining, wind energy, aquaculture and entertainment.

Liebherr will exhibit its port equipment solutions for the offshore wind industry at Breakbulk Europe.

 The company says the offshore wind industry is one of the most promising sectors for renewable energy generation and climate action. According to a report by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), offshore wind capacity increased by 6.1GW globally in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The report forecasts 235GW of new offshore wind capacity will be installed over the next decade under current policies. That capacity is seven times bigger than the current market size and is a 15% increase on the previous year’s forecasts.

“To meet this growing demand, offshore wind projects require efficient and reliable port equipment for loading, unloading, transporting and installing heavy and oversized components such as turbines, blades, towers and foundations,” says Liebherr. The company offers a range of mobile harbour cranes, fixed pedestal and rail-mounted travelling cranes, ship-toshore cranes, and offshore cranes, each with a variety of optional equipment.

One of Liebherr’s flagship products for the offshore wind sector is the LHM 800 mobile harbour crane. The firm claims the crane is the largest and most powerful mobile harbour crane in the world, with a maximum lifting capacity of up to 308t and an outreach of up to 64m. The LHM 800 can handle heavy lift cargo such as nacelles or transition pieces, and can be equipped with Liebherr’s Sycratronic system, which allows two or more cranes to be operated synchronously by one operator. This increases safety, efficiency and flexibility for complex lifting operations, says Liebherr.

Liebherr also has a heavy lift ship crane called the LS 800 E, the largest ship crane it has built so far. The crane is designed to handle increasingly heavier and larger cargo, particularly for the wind industry. The company says the demand for heavy lift vessels with cranes of 800t capacity is expected to grow in the future, and Liebherr aims to capture this market with the LS 800 E. It features an all-electric drive concept, which reduces CO2 emissions. The crane also features a Master V control unit, allowing for integration of future assistance systems and semi-automated process applications.

WOMEN NETWORKING

The agenda for the main stage includes talks covering topics such as the Business & Market Outlook, Innovation in Project Logistics – Trends, Changes and Predictions (which will address questions such as how might AI chatbots and the lack of employees change the way we work, and what will bring about the goal of zero-carbon transport), Measuring and Pricing CO2 Emissions, and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Across the Supply Chain.

Breakbulk Europe is also hosting a Women in Breakbulk Breakfast. This is a meeting place for women to make connections with female colleagues from around the world and then have the opportunity to meet up over the days of the event. There will be a panel discussion on strategies attuned to this issue.

Other general networking and social activities include a Rotterdam boat tour. Also, this edition of Breakbulk Europe’s Education Day will provide students with an overview of what the business is about, experience what the building of a project requires through a case study, and receive tips for success as well as career advice from industry executives.