Choosing the right loading arm system

A lot of time, thought and effort is needed when identifying a solution that optimises terminal operations, says OPW’s David Morrow Imagine seeing a notice asking for symphony orchestra musicians to be at a concert hall on a certain day and time, prepared to play Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, without rehearsal. The individual musicians who responded would likely have the talent and some past experience, but the performance as a whole would be disjointed. Now try outfitting a storage terminal in the same manner, selecting loading-arm system equipment that probably should work well together, but with no past experience. The operation of that equipment would probably be about the same as the sound of that thrown-together orchestra – out of tune and disjointed. However, the orchestra can practice to get better, whereas an incompatible loading arm system has no chance of improving without major (and costly) design modifications. Achieving a system in which all components work seamlessly in a system that is efficient, easy to operate and safe for the user – takes a great deal of time, due diligence and native knowledge. When using several loading arms, all risers must be...