How AMECO’s Shiploader Delivered ROI in Record Time At The Top Of The World

How AMECO Designed, Shipped, and Commissioned an Arctic Shiploader in Just 6 Months, Driving Rapid ROI

Introduction

Delivering a shiploader to the world’s northernmost mine in under six months was an extraordinary challenge that AMECO Group met with precision and innovation. This case study explores how we turned an ambitious project timeline into a reality, helping our client, Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani (SNSK), meet their critical export deadlines and achieve their revenue targets.

The Challenge

From our first meeting with Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani (SNSK), it became apparent that stringent delivery dates would be required to comply with the extreme weather conditions of the area and the fact that it was of the utmost necessity that the coal being produced be exported during the same year. Usually, such machines are delivered to the FOB port of export in 11 to 13 months. There is to be added traveling time on the ship, unloading, and erection, which could be as much as 2 ½ months in such an area.

In this case, SNSK wished that the machine with the complete conveyor belt installation should be commissioned in only six months, as the first ship could be loading coal on such a date. Furthermore, the client did not have a suitable existing jetty, which must be constructed to allow shiploader erection.

The AMECO Solution: Speed, Expertise, and Innovation

Two weeks after the initial meeting, AMECO signed the contract and began work immediately. Leveraging our #powerofknowhow mantra, we secured SNSK’s trust to proceed without their usual detailed reviews of our plans. Our teams devised a novel approach: erect and test the shiploader at a port before shipping, allowing ample time for jetty construction.

#PowerofKnowHow by AMECO:

• Rapid Design and Testing: The shiploader was fully erected and tested at the Gdansk port before shipment.
• Fast-Tracked Procurement: Long lead items were ordered immediately, and structural manufacturing was prioritized based on delivery speed.
• Innovative Shipping Solutions: Adjustments were made for the shiploader’s transport on a brand-new vessel, ensuring all components were safely lashed down and transported.

The Journey to the Arctic Circle

The port of Gdansk was chosen for its proximity to our workshop and ample space for erecting and testing the machine. However, the loading ship arrived several days late, reducing our buffer time.

Additionally, the ship, on its maiden voyage, posed another challenge. During final testing, shipping engineers advised that the 70-ton counterweight and telescopic loading tube couldn’t be installed before loading due to potential crane interference. Our team quickly collaborated with the loading crew to resolve this, securing the shiploader and its parts on deck using the ship’s cranes and multiple lashings for safe transport.

A few days later, the ship entered the Van Mijen Fjord, sailing between two rows of glacier-covered mountains.

“We couldn’t believe our eyes [when we saw the shiploader on the boat]—AMECO delivered not only on time but with the quality and reliability we needed to meet our targets. Their expertise and dedication were evident in every step of the process.” – SNSK Representative

Results: Delivering Value and ROI – On Time!

All shiploaders, as the final link in the delivery chain, must operate flawlessly. For SNSK, the stakes were even higher—they required an Arctic-proof shiploader that could be designed, shipped, and fully operational within an unprecedented 6-month timeframe to meet critical export deadlines and ensure rapid ROI.

AMECO Group met this challenge head-on, leveraging our engineering expertise and agile problem-solving to deliver a robust, reliable solution. Our team’s hard work, flexibility, and strong collaboration with SNSK allowed us to overcome logistical hurdles and deliver the shiploader precisely as promised.

Outcome Highlights:

• On-Time Delivery: The shiploader was fully operational within six months, meeting the strict deadline.
• Customer Satisfaction: SNSK achieved its revenue targets thanks to our arctic-proof, reliable shiploader.
• Rapid ROI: By delivering on time and ensuring seamless operation, AMECO enabled SNSK to start exporting coal immediately, driving rapid return on investment.

This achievement underscores AMECO’s commitment to delivering exceptional value through innovative engineering and flawless execution, providing our clients with the tools they need to thrive in even the most challenging environments.

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