| A design option for the
Flexiport concept is ideally suited for handling containers and bulk cargoes. This
Flexiport matches the developments of the worldwide container transport network and the
need for a port system that can handle multiple types of cargo. The requirement
for space and specialist handling equipment can be met either on the standard 3,000 square
metre barge base or by a larger unit designed with container handling in view. These
larger barge bases give a deck area of 200 metres by 50 metres - more than three times the
flat deck working area of a standard barge base. A port complex consisting of only 4 of
these larger barge bases can handle 8 container vessels simultaneously, 150 TEU containers
an hour and over 10 million tonnes of cargo in a year. The safety aspect of docking
very large ships has been considered, and impacts up to speeds of half a knot can be
withstood from the largest vessels.
The Flexiport
container variant includes all the attributes of a normal container port, specialised
craneage, roll-on/roll-off handling equipment and conveyor belts.
Notwithstanding
the size of the larger barges, the Flexiport container variant can be installed and moored
as quickly and securely as a normal Flexiport. The design has been tank tested and proven
to work in a six knot current, 8 knot tide and wind speeds of up to 100 knots. |
