How port handling is organized

The traffic of goods by sea has experienced a very significant increase in just a few decades. 11,076 million tonnes passed through the world's major ports in 2019: a volume four times greater than that of the early 1970s.

In this context, the efficiency and speed of goods transhipment operations in ports have become issues in their own right. The large industrial-port zones (ZIP) and their personnel must organize themselves to avoid prolonged waiting for ships in ports and a loss of money.

What are the main principles of port handling? The point with XP LOG.

What is port handling?

Port handling (or "stevedoring") is defined as all the loading and unloading operations of merchant ships in commercial ports. It is carried out using various port equipment and lifting means: cranes, gantries, rolling means, etc.

Handling operations mainly concern the transhipment of heavy and bulky loads, including:

• Shipping containers weighing several tons;
• Pallets;
• Bulk products.

Once unloaded, the goods can have several destinations:

• Storage in hangar or logistics warehouse;
• Storage on a port platform
• Direct routing to the purchaser or sponsor...

Port handling is subject to safety rules aimed at protecting the integrity of personnel, but also that of goods.

What are the different types of port handling?

There are, in practice, two types of port handling.

Horizontal handling

Horizontal handling, or RO/RO (roll-on / roll-off), is carried out directly on the boats, at the time of boarding. The dockers board the boats to secure the goods. The operation is essential, in particular, to avoid tipping containers on the high seas.

Vertical handling

Vertical handling consists of lifting the containers to a sufficient height to load or unload the ship. The goods are thus passed over the railing in complete safety.

The operation, which is very delicate and technical, requires the use of handling equipment such as cranes and gantries.

Who is responsible for port handling?

The transhipment of goods in commercial ports is the responsibility of port handling companies. The latter employ dockers who can practice several complementary trades:

• Workers ;
• Crane operators;
• Port handlers.

These professionals occupy an important place at the port. Without them, it is impossible to load or unload ships in port. The main duties of dockers include:

• The preparation of all the lifting accessories (spreader, chains or slings) to proceed with the secure transhipment of the goods;
• Handling forklifts;
• Guidance of cranes and handling gantries;
• The use of a hopper for loading and unloading bulk carriers;
• The “mooring” of goods, i.e. the secure fixing of goods on cargo ships by the use of bars and straps;
• The undocking of goods and containers on arrival in the port;
• The loading and unloading of stores or baggage with respect to cruise and passenger ships...

Specialized port handling personnel must be vigilant and demonstrate rapid decision-making. They must maintain permanent attention to avoid potentially very serious accidents.

What is the current status of dockworkers?

The status of these personnel is governed by articles L. 5343-1 and following of the Transport Code. Since Law No. 2008-860 of July 4, 2008, a "single command" is ensured over all

A large part of the tasks can now be carried out using handling and lifting equipment. The generalization of container freight and the development of “palletization” have significantly reduced the physical energy required for handling goods. This technical evolution has led to various developments in the sector, such as:

The creation of load unit systems, authorizing bulk handling of groups of goods or packages;

The technical standardization of containers, with for example the addition of “corner pieces” to facilitate gripping by lifting gear, or the addition of twist locks to secure attachment to the crane.

However, the arduous nature of the job remains recognized, and the profession remains overwhelmingly male. Some physical strength is also required when port handling workers are also responsible for “stuffing” and “unstuffing” goods, i.e. filling and emptying containers.

Conclusion

Port handling is an essential cog in the international transport of goods. The sector is distinguished by increasing automation, but also by a high level of technicality. The efficiency of transhipment operations today is highly dependent on the expertise of these key personnel.

XP LOG is a leading provider of logistics solutions in the industrial-port area of ​​Le Havre and Marseille Fos. Benefit from full technical support for your import-export operations.