From a Cocktail Napkin to Making History: Gateway Terminal Revolutionizes Bulk Cargo Handling with the SENNEBOGEN 895E
Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Gateway Terminal has become one of the most efficient and economical terminal operators in the Northeast. Founded in 1895, Gateway Terminal is a bulk cargo handling facility that loads shred, HMS, and PNS into cargo ships. They encompass ship, barge, truck, and rail capabilities, which need the right machine to keep up.
Moving Beyond Cable Cranes: A New Era of Efficiency
For decades, Gateway Terminal relied on traditional cable cranes. These cranes were effective for heavy-duty picks but came with limitations, such as long cycle times, early start-up requirements, and significant maintenance demands. However, with the changing needs of the terminal and an increased focus on efficiency, Gateway Terminal decided it was time for an upgrade.
“One thing we wanted to get away from was the cable crane, and the 895E fit the bill perfectly,” said James Brackett, Maintenance Manager of Gateway Terminal. Enter the SENNEBOGEN 895E, an electric material handler with a customized gantry and the first-ever SENNEBOGEN equipped with a skip pan. This machine was the solution for the terminal’s evolving needs.
Unique Customization for a Unique Dock
What makes the SENNEBOGEN 895E special to Gateway Terminal is its customized design. The machine features a specially built gantry to fit the unique specifications of the terminal’s finger pier, making it an ideal match for the confined space at the dock. This customization allows Gateway to efficiently load material into cargo ships while optimizing cycle times and reducing the strain on equipment and operators.
Moreover, the skip pan designed for the 895E is lighter than traditional skip pans used on cable cranes, which led to initial concerns about increased maintenance and repairs. However, Gateway Terminal was pleasantly surprised by how durable and low-maintenance the new design turned out to be. “When we originally designed the skip pan to be lighter than the original skip pans that we use on the cranes, we thought we would have more maintenance and repairs since it’s lighter, which isn’t so. There is a lot less maintenance than we thought there would have been.”
Cutting Start-Up Times and Reducing Fatigue
Another advantage of the SENNEBOGEN 895E is its ability to reduce the terminal’s start-up time. “Being in the northeast, it’s a harsh environment. Typically we have the guys come in at 0400 to start up the machines and get them all warmed and ready for the operator. With the 895E, the operator can hop in, turn the machine on, and go to work. We don’t have to have the guys come in at such an early hour so we cut an hour off our startup time.”
In addition to the streamlined start-up process, the quietness of the 895E’s operation has had a positive impact on operator comfort. The noise reduction, coupled with the improved visibility from the Maxcab, allows operators to see both the ground crew and workers in the cargo holds more clearly, enhancing safety and reducing strain. “Operators love the visibility in the cab. They have a better view of the ground crew and the guys in the hole for safety. It’s comfortable, quiet, is less strain on the body, and less fatigue on the operator.”
Faster Cycle Times, Less Maintenance, and Significant Savings
The SENNEBOGEN 895E delivers 40% faster cycle times compared to the older cable cranes, allowing Gateway to complete more work in less time. The reduced maintenance requirements and increased operational efficiency translate into cost savings for the terminal.
“The benefits of this machine are faster cycle times, later starts, less maintenance, and saving money. What made it unique was how big the gantry part of the 895 was which made it unique to this dock. We’re confined to this finger pier here, so Sennebogen was able to provide a custom-made bottom for us to fit the specs on our dock.”
Gateway Terminal: A Future Built on Innovation
As Gateway Terminal continues to expand and modernize its operations, the SENNEBOGEN 895E with a skip pan has become a critical component of its success. With over three decades of experience, the terminal remains dedicated to providing top-tier service to its clients, and the integration of this advanced technology solidifies its position as one of the most efficient and economical terminal operators in the Northeast.
By embracing cutting-edge solutions like the Electric SENNEBOGEN 895E, Gateway Terminal demonstrates its ongoing commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence. As the terminal looks to the future, it remains a leader in bulk cargo handling, setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in the industry.
About SENNEBOGEN
SENNEBOGEN has been a leading name in the global material handling industry for over 65 years. Based in Stanley, North Carolina, within the greater Charlotte region, SENNEBOGEN LLC offers a complete range of purpose-built machines to suit virtually any material handling application. Established in America in the year 2000, SENNEBOGEN LLC has quickly become a leading provider of specialized equipment solutions for recycling and scrap metal yards, demolition, barge and port operations, log-handling, transfer stations, waste facilities and the tree care industry from coast to coast. A growing network of distributors supports SENNEBOGEN LLC sales and service across the Americas, ensuring the highest standard of professional machine support and parts availability.
For more information on the full line of SENNEBOGEN green line material handlers, contact:
SENNEBOGEN LLC
1957 Sennebogen Trail
Stanley, NC 28164
Tel: (704) 347-4910 or fax (704) 347-8894
E-mail: sales@sennebogenllc.com
