The dry bulk terminal operator environment is changing rapidly. There is extreme pressure on handling rates because of the overcapacity in the dry bulk market. This creates a growing concern among shareholders to increase yields from their investments. As at the same time costs for wages, maintenance and energy are rising. At Nemag we want to help our customers to bring these costs down. That is why we researched and managed to bring the maintenance costs down, starting with iron ore grabs.
CAPEX and OPEX, maintenance is the hidden key factor
In this changing environment, the purchase price should be your number one consideration, right? Or… maybe not?
On average, the asset investment costs (CAPEX) of a four-rope grab are around
1 euro cent per tonne of cargo transferred, calculated over the grab’s lifespan. On the other hand, grab maintenance costs, can be as much as 2 to 3 euro cent per tonne of cargo transferred, calculated over the grab’s lifespan.
This means that over time, the total maintenance costs will exceed CAPEX costs. It’s justified to ask what’s more important, CAPEX or operating expenditure (OPEX).
Bulk terminals with clear insight in maintenance costs have concluded that asset investment costs (CAPEX) are of minor importance compared to the total maintenance costs.
Saving maintenance costs
Grabs are always moving – day in, day out, 24 hours a day. There’s no way to prevent normal wear in an iron ore grab all together. But when a grab has fewer moving parts, it requires less maintenance. And that’s precisely what the NemaX® offers! Using a NemaX grab allows you to save significantly on maintenance costs per tonne of cargo transferred.
The NemaX grab has an exceptionally robust, patented symmetrical layout. The grab design features a number of highly specific design solutions that combine to give the structure high stability and lend the grab a strong structural resistance against impact.
Want to know more about maintenance costs or the NemaX?
Download our whitepaper about maintenance or request the Quick Guide for more information about NemaX's field of applications
Alternatively, view our service and maintenance page to learn what you can expect from a service focused grab supplier.
