Sandvik Mining and Construction has signed a contract with Erts en Kolen Overslagbedrijf Maasvlakte for the supply of a shiploader at Europees Massagoed Overslagbedrijf terminal in Rotterdam. As part of the port extension at Maasvlakte in Rotterdam the new Sandvik shiploader with a capacity of 6,000 tonnes per hour will replace an existing shiploader for loading of coal and iron ore vessels.

Mr Ton van der Leer manager projects & ICT of EMO said that "We are pleased that Sandvik won the bid for our new shiploader and we are confident that the project will be a success."

Sandvik said that it was awarded the contract having delivered a good technical proposal to the customer, showing the potential of providing excellent technical solutions based on Sandvik's vast experience in designing ship loaders in ports. The contract became effective in November 2010 and start of operation is scheduled for May 2012.

The EMO dry bulk terminal has been located at Maasvlakte Rotterdam since 1973. It is the largest dry bulk terminal in Europe and it specializes in the unloading and storage of iron ore and coal. These products arrive from all over the world. Offering direct access to the North Sea at a draught of 23 meters EMO handles vessels from Panamax up to the largest dry bulk carriers presently trading. Operating 24 hours a day, 360 days a year, and unloading about 35 million tonnes per annum, EMO is a vital part of the supply chain of iron ore and coal for the European steel and electricity industries.

(Sourced from www.im-mining.com)