Apical

The Challenge:
Securing Reliable Coal Supply for Continuous Refinery Operations

Apical’s integrated palm oil refinery in Dumai processes crude palm oil into edible oils, specialty fats, biodiesel, and other refined products for domestic and international markets. Reliable coal handling is therefore an important part of the energy infrastructure supplying the refinery’s captive power plant. The new unloading system needed to efficiently handle 8,000-ton barges while maintaining a continuous material flow from the jetty to the coal stockpile. Minimizing barge movements and establishing safe, efficient operations from commissioning onward were also important project requirements.

The Solution:
Dual E-Cranes for Efficient Coal Barge Unloading

E-Crane worked with Apical and its appointed contractor to implement a dual-crane unloading system tailored to the SDS 2 Coal jetty. Each E-Crane operates independently with its own receiving hopper, creating an efficient material flow from incoming barges to the power plant’s coal stockpile.

The solution includes:

Two 700B Series / EH4317 PD-E E-Cranes, commissioned in April 2024 and configured to unload 8,000-ton barges without barge shifting.
A 4.0 m³ Hydraulic Clamshell Grab, 11.9-ton lift capacity, and 31.7 m reach on each crane for coal barge unloading.
A Fixed pedestal configuration, with each crane operating independently over a dedicated hopper connected by conveyor belts to the coal stockpile.
132 kW power together with comprehensive operator and technical training delivered by E-Crane’s team to support safe, efficient operation and long-term sustainability objectives.