Ports: Installation and Trial of Flexi-Flipper
- Reduction of the number of flippers to be repaired, either due to breakage or deformation.
- Reduction of damages on the system or the structure of the spreader.
- Reduction of damages on the vessel’s bays.
- Absorption of impacts on the container and its cargo.
- Reduction of downtime during operations.
- Provision of safer working system.
Points of Issue:
Recurring issues with damaged flippers was incurring excessive costs to either repair or replace and associated downtime, impacting port operations.
Barlow Technology’s Solution:
✔️ EXPERT PROJECT MANAGEMENT
A site visit was undertaken to discuss the issues and plan for a trial of Flexi-Flippers, with subsequent fact-finding meetings and site visits to undertake measurements, with full details and approved technical drawings and a full order report advanced to our supplier, Inamer, in Spain, for the trial phase of the project.
Upon delivery, a Barlow Technology engineer undertook a further site visit for the fitting and installation of the flippers on the trial cranes.
Regular reporting and follow-up commenced, with adaptations to accommodate the unique requirements at the port until the flippers were fully operational, offering full flexibility against impacts whilst remaining rigid against the strains of normal operations.
Project Summary:
Sample: CTS64 & CTS44 installed: 4 x Flexi-Flipper each: 11/5/23
Containers moved: 13,107
Flexi Flippers replaced: 0 (1 found with chain damage)
Planned test period: 90 days approx.
Actual test period: From 11th May to 3rd July – 54 days
Project status: Pilot project period completed
Forecast savings 2024: £148,095
Project outcome: Successful
Feedback:
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Quieter in operation
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Loading all night – no problems
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Like the colour – more visible
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No too bad to get on and off boxes
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Seemed more robust than yellow flippers
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Seems you can clip them without any damage
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Work effectively if everything is in place
Inamer’s Flexi-Flipper
✔️ EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR ADAPTIVE SPREADER FLIPPER ARMS
The simple, yet innovative Flexi-Flipper is being introduced to several UK ports and is already in use in a number of terminals throughout Europe.
A key part of the Spreader assembly, Flippers bear the brunt of impacts either with the quay, or within cell guides of ships, meaning that damage is inevitable.
The highly adaptable Flexi-Flipper is manufactured using premium materials and designed to be highly flexible to accommodate impacts and overloads, whilst retaining rigidity for normal loads.
Flexi-Flipper has been patented by the University of Cadiz and is produced by Spanish Inamer; an established company dedicated to the manufacture of parts and industrial maintenance services.
Replacing traditional spreader flipper arms on cranes, the Flexi-Flipper can be easily adapted to achieve the correct combination of rigidity and cushioning, utilizing a uniquely engineered mechanism.
Obvious advantages are derived from the flexibility of the product; primarily, reducing the quantity of fins requiring to be repaired annually, either from breakage or deformation. The machinery mechanism and structure of the spreader is additionally preserved with the flexi-flipper’s unique adaptability to varying load requirements, saving on lost hours and down-time, whilst also being safer for crane operators.
Contact Barlow Technology to discuss your requirements: sales@barlow-technolgy.com
A Bit About Us…
✔️ SMART SOLUTIONS FOR HEAVY INDUSTRY
Barlow Technology is a recognised industry partner for leading European names within the steel, ports, and offshore marine industries. With over 40 years’ experience, we are committed to each project, sourcing the ideal solution with regards application, placement, environmental conditions, and location.
✔️ COMMITMENT BEYOND COMPLETION
We are committed to guaranteeing every project is completed to our clients’ satisfaction, including pre-, during and post-completion visits and a full aftercare maintenance, engineering service, ensuring each supplied component of the project is fitted satisfactorily and is working effectively and efficiently
The simple, yet innovative Flexi-Flipper has been introduced to several UK ports in the last year and is already in use in a number of terminals throughout Europe.
Barlow Technology Ltd acts as sole distributor within the UK for Flexi-Flipper: sales@barlow-technolgy.com