In the Cassette-Translifter system cassettes are load platforms for different types of heavy cargo and the translifters are used to lift and transport these cassettes. Basically the idea is the same as with wooden forklift pallets and pallet wagons, the scale is just bigger. Cassette-Translifter system is commonly used for inner logistics in heavy industry, ports and container terminals.
Contents
In operation the translifter is coupled with a universal terminal tractor with lifting 5th wheel (Fifth wheel coupling). Terminal tractors' 5th wheel connects to the translifter's Kingpin. The translifter is lowered down and driven under the cassette and then raised again with the cassette for transportation. Translifters usually have automatically steered tires which helps handling the combination of the translifter and terminal tractor.
Cassettes are specially designed depending on the cargo and handling type. The operation of a cassette system is fast and efficient, thus becoming more popular all over the world.
Advantages
The biggest advantage of the cassette system is its flexibility. Driver can pick up and leave the loads independently without the help of additional cranes. Cassettes can be preloaded and unloaded without constraining movement of the translifter.
Cassette-Translifter system has a big transport capacity. Typical loads are between 50 ton and 200 ton.
Operation costs are relatively low in the cassette-translifter system. Cassettes don't have any moving parts and they are practically maintenance free. The only moving components are in the translifter.
History
Cassette systems and translifters are not a new innovation. The development work was started in 1983. The system was first used in machine shops, steel industry and in prefabrication factories.
Before cassette systems were adapted to shipping lines, Hamina Harbour in Finland started to use the system in 1984. Next, the cassette system was developed for RoRo operations. The first large-scale commissioning took place in 1987 on Kotka-Lubeck-Helsinki shipline. The system consisted of 600 cassettes and 18 translifters. The operators were Oy Kotka Stevedoring, Finnsteve and LHG.
From the late 1980s to this date, cassette-translifter system has transformed through RoRo transport system to multipurpose heavy transport systems used widely throughout the world. The future looks bright for cassette-translifter systems. More operators all around the world are starting to recognize the systems benefits as efficiency requirements are becoming more and more important.
RoRo shipment
There is an increasing pressure on RoRo operators to find more efficient methods of handling cargo and increasing capacity. Cassette system is one solution where more operators are turning their eyes to.
When the ship arrives at the terminal, cargo is already placed on the cassettes and loading can start immediately. With cassette system's high loading capacity, it's possible to reduce ship's turnaround time in port and the saved time can be utilized for example by using slower speed during voyage. That leads to reduction of ship's overall fuel consumption.
Cassette system’s high loading capacity is based on high payload on a cassette and reduced lashing on board. Usually lashings are not mandatory if the cassettes are stowed on blocks. Block stowing of cassettes increases the vessels capacity even 20% compared to some other cargo handling methods. This is possible due to the fact that there’s no need for additional lashings around the cassette. In block stowing the cassettes are stowed tightly side-by-side. When handling cargo units in traditional way, units are lashed with external lashings. This takes ship’s deck space around the cargo unit.
Empty cassettes can be stacked on top of each other, which saves space both inside a vessel and also in terminal area.
Container terminal
Cassette systems meet the challenges of modern container terminals by improving capacity, productivity and reliability. Cassette system facilitates a simple and efficient means of transporting containers for every operating process.
The cassette works as a detachable transportable steel platform that safely supports the containers which can be stacked and quickly transported in variety of configurations. The key innovation in this field is the implementation of the container cassette as a ‘floating buffer’ between container cranes and all horizontal transportation, i.e. the vehicles transporting the container to or from the road or rail carrier. Using this system, the containers are disconnected from the equipment moving them, leaving the cranes to work without stopping. Transport vehicles can pick up, transport and drop off cassettes without waiting for a container to be loaded or unloaded.
The same is true for quay cranes – their productivity is increased because the transfer of container between vessel and quay uses the cassette as a buffer, minimizing the waiting time for translifters to become available. Containers on cassettes are thus disconnected from the transport equipment moving them, rendering higher efficiency and productivity since the idle time is reduced.
Industrial applications
In the modern heavy industry where the transportation need is constant and environmental issues are considered more deeply, companies are looking for more efficient ways to transport material. A growing number of companies are changing their inner logistic thinking to cassette system.
Because of the cassette system's flexibility and high payload capacity, it's possible to achieve relatively large material flow across process points and warehouses. Bulk material producers (steel industry etc.) are also able to use cassettes as a temporary buffer for warehouses.
Industrial cassettes are typically equipped with optimized load supports, improving efficiency and safety when handling different types of material.