The superior performance of Liebherr?s biggest HS machine helps Shanti Sagar 14 to complete six trips with full load of dredged material (approximately 3,600 cu m) to the dumping area.

Adani Hazira Port (AHPPL) is strategically located on the west side of the Hazira peninsula at approximate latitude: 21? 06? North, longitude: 072? 37? East.Adani Hazira Port will provide a convenient international trade gateway to Europe, Africa, America and the Middle East.

AHPPL will operate all non-LNG facilities in Hazira Port under the terms of the agreement with Hazira Port (HPPL). The port development plan includes the long-term port development with non-LNG cargo terminals (container and bulk terminals, and a proposed liquid terminal). LNG terminal will continue to be operated by HPPL. In future, both entities together will constitute the Hazira Port. AHPPL operations have commenced this year.

The dredging activity is carried out at the previously reclaimed area between the two berths (container and bulk) each 900 m long and 400 m wide.A breakwater was constructed using rock bund with rock core and clay in 300 m area adjoining the shore. The reclaimed area is being dredged with one IHC cutter suction dredger and Liebherr HS 895 grab dredger on Shanti Sagar 14.

The Adani grab dredger Shanti Sagar 14 is the first grab dredger in India with HS 895 HD crawler crane being used without undercarriage on a base column. This makes the machine unique in its operation and application. Shanti Sagar 14 is Adani?s only grab dredger with a hopper (capacity of 600 cu m) and self-propeller making it more productive to the rest. The HS 895 HD with a mechanical grab is firmly mounted on a base column of 3.5 m without undercarriage.The mechanical grab has a capacity of 6 cum and the total weight with the material is approximately 20 tonne operating in the range of 12 m to 16 m. Density of the material is between 1.6 cu m and 1.8 cu m. The strong 35 T winch line pull along with a maximum hoist speed of 77 m/min rope speed makes the operation faster which results in high productivity. The HS 895 HD is fitted with 3 tonne tagline winch to compensate oscillating movements of the grab. The hoist and drag winches can be run at the same time maintaining optimal control while picking up stones.

The machine works in three shifts throughout the day of eight hours each.Initial layers are formed of boulders and clay up to 5 m where the cutter suction is non-functional as it cannot penetrate rocks. The HS 895 does the job by dredging the rocks paving out the way for the IHC CSD to achieve total depth of 12 m by end of November and 15 m by April 2013.Superior performance of Liebherr?s biggest HS machine helps Shanti Sagar 14 to complete six trips with full load of dredged material (approximately 3,600 cu m) to the dumping area.The draft achieved by dredging is being continuously measured by a survey boat with eco sound system.

The dredger operates in anchorage with one anchor in the front and two anchors on the rear ensuring stability during operation.During high tide the sea swells up to 2 m which makes operation tedious. Grab dredging is ideal in slack water.Even during rough tide condition the crane was able to achieve 37 load cycles in an hour which peaks up to 43 cycles while working in slack water.The operator Ramavatar and his associate are gung-ho about the control system of the machine as all the operating data are available on the touch screen.Fuel consumption is at about 50 litre per hour during peak operation.The crane has clocked 785 hr till date after a promising start since June 2012 and look to achieve more.

TECHNOLOGY AT WORK

Project: Dismantling of existing breakwater at Adani Hazira Port
Main contractor: Adani
Contractor: PMC Projects
Location: Hazira Port, Gujarat, India
Application: Grab dredging
Grab: 6 cum-mechanical
Duration: 3 months
Soil condition: Boulders, silt and clay
Machine: HS 895 with 29 m main boom with a mechanical grab