GENMA commissions floating transhipment system for West Africa

GENMA has completed the commissioning of its latest floating transhipment system, which is scheduled for deployment to West Africa to support mineral export operations

The system has been developed to address a key logistical challenge faced by the global mining industry, where large bulk carriers are unable to access shallow-water ports. In locations such as Boffa, Guinea, where a 300,000-ton ore carrier cannot berth, the floating transhipment system enables smaller barges to transport minerals from the quay to deeper water. Cargo is then transferred onto larger vessels without requiring them to enter the port.

The system consists of two deck cranes, two large hoppers, one belt conveyor and one ship loader. During operation, the cranes lift ore from barges and discharge it into the hoppers, which feed the material onto the conveyor. The conveyor then transports the ore to the ship loader for continuous loading into the hold of the larger vessel.

Engineered for efficient offshore material handling

The cranes are equipped with stepless speed control to provide smooth acceleration and braking, allowing operators to make precise adjustments when handling heavy loads. Their box boom design helps maintain stability during lifting operations, while the large hoppers are designed to support high discharge rates and provide a continuous flow of material to the conveyor.

To withstand demanding marine environments, the cranes have been designed to offshore standards. Key components are sealed and protected by multi-layer anti-corrosion coatings to resist saltwater exposure. A low centre of gravity and lightweight design help improve stability during operations in heavy sea conditions.

The ship loader has also been designed to accommodate movement between floating vessels caused by tides and waves. Its telescopic chute and luffing boom enable material to be loaded smoothly while minimising breakage as the vessels move.

Supporting long-term operations in Africa

To simplify maintenance and minimise downtime, the system incorporates integrated hydraulic power units that reduce the number of pipes and potential leak points. Self-lubricating joints further support maintenance requirements, while a standard diagnostic port enables technicians to identify faults quickly.

GENMA has established service centres and spare parts warehouses in Tangier, Morocco, and Mombasa, Kenya, to support customers across Africa. A warehouse in Boffa, Guinea, is nearing completion and is expected to open later this year. The company also has long-term field service engineers stationed locally to provide technical support.

Before commissioning, every motor, sensor and control system underwent both individual and integrated testing. Following the successful completion of the commissioning programme, the floating transhipment system is now ready for deployment to West Africa, where it will support reliable and efficient bulk cargo transfer for mineral export operations.