SCHADE RAIL MOUNTED SHIPLOADER

Efficient Ship Loading for Bulk Material Ports and Export Terminals

Proven SCHADE Ship Loading Technology for Deep-Sea and Coastal Vessels

The SCHADE Lagertechnik Rail Mounted Shiploader is a high-performance loading solution designed for the efficient transfer of bulk materials from conveyor systems directly into seagoing vessels. Developed using SCHADE’s proven engineering principles and extensive experience in bulk material handling, the machine combines reliable technology with the specific requirements of modern port and terminal operations.

Designed for continuous operation, the system enables fast, precise loading of a wide range of bulk materials, with dust control solutions available depending on project requirements.

Whether serving a dedicated export terminal, an industrial quay or a large-scale bulk port, each Shiploader is individually engineered to suit the vessel sizes, material characteristics and site conditions of the project.

Loading Capacity
Up to 10,000 t/h
Boom Length
Up to 60 m
Boom Inclination

Up to 75°

Resting position only (without material handling)
Vessel Types
Barges to Capesize
PRODUCT OVERVIEW

What Is a Rail Mounted Shiploader?

A Rail Mounted Shiploader is a travelling loading machine installed on rails along a quay or jetty. Its purpose is to transfer bulk materials from the landside conveying system into a vessel’s cargo holds while achieving optimum loading rates, vessel utilization and environmental performance.

Unlike stationary loading systems, the SCHADE Shiploader can travel along the berth and access multiple cargo holds without repositioning the ship. Through a combination of travelling, luffing, slewing and trimming movements, the machine can distribute material precisely throughout the vessel, reducing loading times and improving operational efficiency.

Drawing on more than a century of expertise in bulk material handling, stockyards and blending beds, SCHADE applies the same robust engineering philosophy used in its globally installed stackers and reclaimers to the maritime loading environment.

KEY BENEFITS

Advantages of the SCHADE Rail Mounted Shiploader

Efficient Vessel Loading & Faster Turnaround

High loading rates and flexible machine movements enable efficient loading operations, reducing berth occupancy and vessel turnaround times while improving overall terminal productivity.

Optimized Cargo Distribution

Advanced trimming technologies enable precise material distribution throughout the vessel’s cargo holds, reducing loading interruptions and supporting efficient vessel utilization and compliance with stability requirements.

Reliable Performance & Low Maintenance

Based on decades of SCHADE experience in bulk material handling, the Rail Mounted Shiploader combines robust mechanical design with proven technology to ensure reliable operation, high availability and low maintenance requirements.

Tailor-Made Solutions

Each Shiploader is individually engineered to meet specific material characteristics, vessel dimensions, site conditions and operational requirements, providing a technically and economically optimized solution for each terminal.

Dust Emission Reduction

Depending on project requirements, filter systems can be incorporated at transfer points along the material flow path through to the loading point to help minimise dust emissions.

TRIMMING TECHNOLOGIES

Precise Cargo Distribution for Efficient Vessel Loading

Efficient vessel loading requires precise material distribution throughout the cargo holds. Depending on vessel dimensions, material characteristics and operational requirements, different trimming technologies can be used to optimize cargo distribution, minimize loading interruptions and improve vessel utilization.

SCHADE offers a range of trimming solutions tailored to specific loading applications.

Rotating Trim Chute

A cost-effective solution for many standard loading applications.

Telescopic Loading Chute

Designed for ports with significant tidal variations and deep vessel holds.

Cascade Chute

Ideal for environmentally sensitive applications requiring reduced dust generation.

Thrower System

Provides additional reach within cargo holds and is particularly useful when loading large vessels.

Variable Angle Chute

Suitable for materials with challenging flow properties and applications requiring maximum flexibility.


machine photograph

loading-head detail photograph
TECHNICAL FEATURES

Technical Features of the SCHADE Rail Mounted Shiploader

High Loading Capacity

The Shiploader can be configured for loading capacities of up to 10,000 t/h, depending on material characteristics and project requirements.

Long Outreach

Boom lengths of up to 60 metres allow efficient loading of a broad range of vessel sizes. Boom inclinations of up to 75° are possible in the resting position only, when the machine is not handling material.

Flexible Vessel Coverage

The machine can be designed for various vessel types, including inland barges, Handysize, Handymax, Panamax and Capesize vessels.

Multiple Motion Axes

The loading system combines travelling, slewing and luffing movements to provide flexible access to cargo holds and support optimized vessel loading.

Customized Machine Configuration

Each Shiploader is individually engineered according to specific project requirements, including:

  • Material properties
  • Vessel dimensions
  • Tidal conditions
  • Quay geometry
  • Environmental requirements
  • Operational philosophy

Dust Control Solutions

Depending on the application, the Shiploader can incorporate dust-suppression arrangements and enclosed material transfer points to minimize dust emissions and material losses during loading operations.

Cascade chutes and controlled material flow can help reduce drop heights and impact velocities. The selection of suitable dust control measures depends on the material characteristics, environmental requirements and specific operating conditions of the terminal.

Safety Systems

The machine can be equipped with a range of safety features, including:

  • Storm anchoring systems
  • Rail clamps
  • Parking stations
  • Collision protection systems
  • Emergency shutdown systems

These systems support safe and reliable operation under demanding environmental conditions.

APPLICATIONS & MATERIALS

Bulk Material Ship Loading Across Multiple Industries

The SCHADE Rail Mounted Shiploader is suitable for a wide range of industries.

fertilizer industry photograph

Fertilizer Industry

  • Urea
  • NPK
  • Ammonium-based fertilizers
  • Agricultural bulk products

cement industry photograph

Cement Industry

  • Cement clinker
  • Cement additives
  • Limestone products

mining and minerals industry photograph

Mining & Minerals

  • Iron ore
  • Bauxite
  • Nickel ore
  • Industrial minerals

energy and metallurgy industry photograph

Metallurgy

  • Coke
  • Slag products
  • Metallurgical raw materials

ports and export terminals photograph

Ports & Export Terminals

  • Dedicated bulk export facilities
  • Industrial ports
  • Multi-purpose terminals

The Shiploader can also be configured for additional industries and materials, depending on specific project requirements.

EXPERIENCE & REFERENCES

SCHADE Ship Loading Technology in Practice

Historical SCHADE shiploader at Nordstern in Gelsenkirchen, 1970

Nordstern – Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Year:
1970
Equipment:
Shiploader – Stacker Type
Material:
Coking Coal
Capacity:
600 t/h

Installed in 1970 at Nordstern in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, this stacker-type shiploader was designed for handling coking coal with a loading capacity of 600 t/h. The project represents an early example of SCHADE’s experience in ship loading technology.

Hansaport – Hamburg, Germany

Material:
Coal
Capacity:
1,000 t/h

The Slewing & Luffing Stacker-Type Shiploader was developed for efficient coal handling operations while maintaining high loading efficiency.

Port of Kotka, Finland

Material:
Urea
Capacity:
1,050 t/h

The project highlights SCHADE’s experience in handling fertilizer products under demanding port operating conditions.

Lekki Fertilizer Plant, Nigeria

Material:
Urea
Capacity:
2,000 t/h

One of the largest fertilizer export projects in Africa, demonstrating the scalability of SCHADE ship loading technology.

WHY CHOOSE SCHADE?

Engineering Expertise and Global Support for Bulk Material Handling

More Than 140 Years of Engineering Experience

Founded in 1879, SCHADE Lagertechnik GmbH brings more than 140 years of engineering experience in bulk material handling. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise in stockyard equipment, blending systems and solutions for ports and terminals.

Expertise Across Multiple Industries

SCHADE has extensive experience in bulk material handling across a wide range of industries, including cement, mining, minerals, fertilizers, energy and metallurgy. This cross-industry expertise enables the development of solutions tailored to different materials, operating conditions and project requirements.

Global Engineering & Project Execution

With the international presence and resources of the AUMUND Group, SCHADE supports customers in projects around the world. From engineering and project planning to installation and commissioning, customers benefit from international expertise and local support.

Complete Bulk Material Handling Solutions

As part of the AUMUND Group, SCHADE offers access to a comprehensive portfolio of bulk material handling technologies. From unloading, conveying and storage to reclaiming and ship loading, the Group provides integrated solutions for efficient material flows across the entire process chain.

Service, Modernization & Conversion

Beyond new installations, SCHADE and the AUMUND Group support customers throughout the entire equipment lifecycle. Services include inspections, maintenance, technical assessments, modernization and conversion of existing equipment to meet changing operational requirements.

Worldwide After-Sales Support & Spare Parts

Through the AUMUND Group’s international service network, customers benefit from experienced Field Service Engineers, technical assistance and reliable spare parts supply. From preventive maintenance and repairs to on-site support, the Group helps maintain equipment availability and minimize downtime.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SCHADE Shiploader FAQs

Can the Shiploader handle several different materials?

Yes. The SCHADE Rail Mounted Shiploader can be designed to handle multiple bulk materials. Cleaning requirements between product changes are considered during the design phase to help prevent cross-contamination.

How is material degradation minimized for sensitive products?

Cascade chutes and controlled material flow help reduce drop heights and impact velocities, minimizing material breakage and fines generation when handling sensitive products such as fertilizers or coke.

Is semi-automatic or fully automatic loading possible?

Depending on project requirements, the Shiploader can be equipped with vessel and hatch detection, position measurement and automated loading sequences to support the operator or partially automate the loading process.

Can the Shiploader be integrated into the port’s control system?

Yes. Interfaces to higher-level control systems enable coordination with existing conveyor systems, reclaimers and the terminal’s process control system.

Can existing Shiploaders be modernized?

Yes. Modernization and conversion solutions, including control system upgrades, dust suppression, capacity enhancements and automation improvements, can extend the service life and improve the performance of existing equipment.

What information is needed for a quotation?

Key information includes material characteristics, required loading capacity, vessel sizes, water level variations, quay layout, rail specifications, environmental conditions and applicable standards.

CONTACT

Looking for a ship loading solution tailored to your terminal?

For more information about the SCHADE Rail Mounted Shiploader and project-specific requirements, please contact our Sales Director.

SCHADE Lagertechnik GmbH

Contact person:
Jens Poepperling, Sales Director

Telephone:
+49 209 50316 244

Email:
poepperling@schade-lagertechnik.de

CONTACT

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