STEVEDORING company C3, part of Linx Cargo Care Group, has delivered an industry-first log grapple loading system at Port of Tauranga in New Zealand.

The log loading machine was designed to ensure greater levels of safety and flexibility when loading logs onto carriers without requiring specialised infrastructure.

According to C3, the new grapple loading system is a shift away from the industry-norm of a plunger style Cranston and log wires which can create safety and efficiency challenges.

Unlike standard machinery, the exclusive C3 Log Vessel Grapple can be transported and operated in any port, removing the need for wharf hands to sling loads.

C3 New Zealand and Pedersen Group COO Gavin Hudson said the C3 LVG has proven its worth after a series of extensive trials. The company has commissioned an additional 22 units to be delivered this year.

“Our first four C3 Log Vessel Grapples have gone live at Port of Tauranga and a further four will be commissioned in Wellington in March,” Mr Hudson said.

“The decreased level of exposure to risks for our people was immediately clear and there was a significant improvement on the traditional loading methods,” he said.

The development and delivery of the C3 LVG has reportedly been of benefit to New Zealand’s domestic engineering and manufacturing sector.

C3 said its relationship with industry partner Page Macrae Engineering has been strengthened following the companies’ collaboration on the development of the log loader.

“Although we have innovated a number of products for customers in the past, the C3 LVGs are a real step forward for Page Macrae Engineering given the level of automation and ‘smarts’,” Page Macrae Engineering CEO Dave Body said.

“We look forward to building on our already strong relationship with C3 through assisting them to effectively meet their customer’s needs,” he said.

Safety and overall efficiency gains were said to have been significant drivers in the development of the C3 LVG, but flexibility and cost effectiveness were also highlighted as important characteristics.

“The arrival of the C3 LVG is exciting for our team, our customers, and the industry,” Mr Hudson said.

“It’s a terrific piece of needs-based innovation that makes a real difference in the overall operation.”