Spencer Group deliver history-making hopper at Port of Tilbury
New 120-tonne capacity ship-to-shore hopper setting new records on the river Thames
MULTI-disciplinary engineering specialists Spencer Group have designed, installed, and commissioned a ship-to-shore hopper that has set new records at the Port of Tilbury and on the river Thames.
Teams from Spencer Group’s design, civils, mechanical, and electrical teams came together to design and deliver the new bulk handling device at the largest port serving London, to act as the primary link between vessels and shore conveyors.
Boasting a storage capacity of 120 tonnes, the hopper is capable of travelling the length of the 60m loading zone and is able to offload 4,000 tonnes/h of large granite stone as well as a range of other processed aggregate products.
The hopper can accommodate different vessels and mooring positions, including deep-sea ships carrying up to 100,000 tonnes of bulk materials.
A sophisticated control system ensures the in-feed from the ship is handled in a safe and controlled fashion. Two opposingly mounted vibrating feeders are speed regulated to ensure the hopper maintains a plug of material, preventing potential damage from falling lumps, whilst ensuring the out-feed on to the downstream shore conveyors is fed centrally without spillage.
Spencer Group’s project team also carried out the strengthening of the existing jetty structure at London’s principal port, in order to support the weight of the new hopper.
The hopper recently made history after receiving a visit from the Yeoman Bridge, one of the two largest self-discharging bulk carriers in the world. The 249m vessel, which is also known as Big Red, utilized the hopper, becoming the largest vessel ever to be discharged at the Port of Tilbury, as well as the biggest ship to travel down the river Thames.
Chris Kirkby, Spencer Group’s principal engineer (design), said: ‘The new hopper is an impressive machine, capable of handling different aggregate products from sand to primary crushed stone discharged by some of the world’s largest bulk carriers.
‘This was a fantastic project to be part of, with our team playing a significant role in leading the design and development from an initial concept through to co-ordinating the commissioning activities for the hopper.
‘The successful outcome of the project is testament to the absolute collaboration between the whole project team, as well as working closely with our client, Port of Tilbury London Ltd, the supply chain, and specialist contractors.
‘In my 10 years at Spencer Group, it certainly has been a career highlight and a project which I am proud to say I played a part in.’
Project director Dave Taylor added: ‘The project is testament to the whole team, designers and delivery members alike. We believe this is a first of its kind in the aggregate import industry, culminating in the largest vessel ever being discharged at the Port of Tilbury.’
