Marine material handling specialist GENMA has commissioned a new floating transhipment system destined for West Africa, providing mining companies with an efficient solution for exporting bulk minerals from ports with limited water depth.
The system is designed to improve mineral export logistics by enabling large bulk carriers to be loaded offshore, eliminating the need for costly port dredging or deep-water infrastructure.
Solution Improves Bulk Mineral Exports
Floating transhipment systems allow cargo to be transferred from smaller barges to large ocean-going vessels anchored offshore, making them particularly valuable for mining operations located near shallow-water ports.
The technology is well suited to operations in areas such as Boffa, Guinea, where bulk carriers with capacities of up to 300,000 tonnes cannot access port facilities due to draft limitations.
Instead, minerals are first loaded onto barges at the port before being transported offshore, where the floating transhipment system transfers the cargo onto larger export vessels for international shipment.
Engineered for Efficient Material Handling
The newly commissioned system includes two deck cranes, two high-capacity hoppers, a belt conveyor and a ship loader designed to deliver continuous bulk loading operations.
During operation, the cranes lift ore from barges into the hoppers, which feed the conveyor system. The conveyor transports the material to the ship loader, allowing efficient loading into the cargo holds of waiting bulk carriers.
According to GENMA, the system incorporates precision lifting technology with stepless speed control, enabling accurate positioning while reducing material spillage during cargo handling.
Large-capacity hoppers also help maintain a consistent flow of material, supporting uninterrupted loading operations and improving productivity.
Built for Offshore Mining Environments
The floating transhipment system has been engineered to withstand harsh marine operating conditions.
Critical components are protected against saltwater corrosion through sealed designs and multi-layer protective coatings, while the lightweight crane structure and low centre of gravity improve stability during offshore operations.
The ship loader is equipped with a telescopic chute and luffing boom that compensate for vessel movement caused by tides and waves, ensuring accurate material placement while minimising cargo degradation.
Expanded African Support Network
To support long-term operations, GENMA has strengthened its after-sales service network across Africa.
The company operates service centres and spare parts warehouses in Tangier, Morocco, and Mombasa, Kenya, while a new warehouse in Boffa, Guinea, is expected to become operational later this year. The facility will be supported by locally based field service engineers to improve maintenance response times and reduce equipment downtime.
Ready for West African Deployment
GENMA confirmed that the floating transhipment system has successfully completed comprehensive commissioning and performance testing, including all motors, sensors and control systems.
The system is now ready for deployment to West Africa, where it is expected to enhance bulk mineral export efficiency, improve logistics for mining operations and strengthen supply chains serving international markets.