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Hangzhou Aotuo Mechanical and Electrical Co., Ltd. (AOTUO) manufactures the ATXL-D shipborne screw ship unloader, a hull-integrated system that gives bulk carriers independent discharge capability without relying on shore-based unloaders. The unit is permanently installed on the vessel and handles cement, clinker, gypsum, limestone, grain, fertilizer and similar free-flowing dry bulk materials at rates from 200 to 1000 t/h.
As a China manufacturer of 1000-70000 DWT 200-1000t/h Shipborne Screw Ship Unloader, AOTUO has focused on screw unloading technology since 2003 and holds more than 100 patents and software copyrights. The ATXL-D is engineered for vessels from small coasters to Panamax bulk carriers, covering a working range that matches dedicated cement carriers, multi-purpose bulk vessels and island supply ships.
The ATXL-D uses a vertical screw arm to reclaim material from the hold and a horizontal screw conveyor to transfer it to the discharge point. The horizontal arm slews ±135 degrees, elevates 30 degrees up and 30 degrees down, and the vertical arm swings 30 degrees inward and 40 degrees outward. This three-dimensional motion lets the feeder track the material surface without repositioning the vessel.
Material is lifted by the vertical screw to the horizontal screw, then discharged to a shore conveyor, receiving hopper or onboard transfer system. The below-deck drive motor and hull-integrated screw conveyor keep the deck clear and the center of gravity low. A variable frequency drive controls flow from 20 to 100 percent, and automatic load sensing limits slew and elevation to protect the structure.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Production capacity | 200–1000 t/h (based on cement bulk density 1.2 t/m³) |
| Applicable ship type | 1000–70000 DWT (coasters to Panamax bulk carriers) |
| Horizontal arm return angle | ±135 degrees |
| Horizontal arm elevation | 30° up / 30° down |
| Vertical arm swing angle | Internal 30° / external 40° |
| Energy consumption | <0.8 kWh/t |
| Noise level | ≤80 dB |
| Dust emission | ≤10 mg/m³ with onboard dust collector |
| Screw diameter | 500–800 mm |
| Screw speed | 30–90 RPM via VFD |
| Installed power | 400–800 kW (vessel electrical system dependent) |
We configure the ATXL-D around the vessel's hull form, cargo hold arrangement and electrical system. The screw diameter, flight pitch, drive power and discharge chute are selected to match the target throughput and material characteristics. For projects that require a different mobility concept, our range includes the 1000-70000 DWT 200-1500t/h Rail mobile Screw Ship Unloader and the 600-15000 DWT 100-500t/h Fixed Screw Ship Unloader.
The ATXL-D handles free-flowing dry bulk materials with a bulk density of 0.8–1.6 t/m³, maximum lump size 60 mm, moisture up to 8 percent for cement, and material temperature up to 80°C. Capacity ratings are based on cement at 1.2 t/m³; actual throughput varies with angle of repose, moisture content and particle size distribution.
Operation is limited to sea state 3 (wave height up to 1.25 m). Motion sensors automatically pause the boom if vessel pitch or roll exceeds preset limits. Heavy weather securing procedures apply for sea state 4 and above. Ambient operating temperature range is -15°C to +45°C, with wind speed limited to 15 m/s during boom operation.
Installation requires hull penetration and structural reinforcement, typically completed during vessel construction or a dry-dock period over 6–8 weeks. We assemble and test the unloader at our factory before shipment, then validate performance during sea trials after integration. Our engineering team coordinates with the shipyard and naval architect on foundation loads, cable routing and control room layout.
Crew training covers boom controls, emergency stow, dust system operation and motion safety over a 24-hour certification program, with annual refresher training. Documentation includes operation and maintenance manuals, spare parts lists and electrical schematics.
The screw conveyor is accessible through deck hatches and below-deck maintenance platforms. Major wear components, including screw flighting segments and liner plates, are replaceable in situ. Recommended inspection intervals are screw flighting every 400 hours, gearbox oil every 3000 hours, and dust filter cleaning weekly during operation.
AOTUO supports the ATXL-D with spare parts availability, technical guidance and remote diagnostic assistance. Our service network covers major ports in Asia, Australia and the Middle East, with response commitments aligned to project requirements.
AOTUO operates a 14,000 m² A-level production workshop and maintains quality management, environmental management and occupational health and safety management system certifications. The company is the responsible drafting unit for industry standard JC/T 2575 "Bulk Cement Spiral Unloader" and has been awarded "Safety Production Standardization Third Level Enterprise."
Each ATXL-D unit undergoes factory assembly and functional testing before shipment. Sea trials validate capacity, dust emission, noise level and control response after vessel integration. We provide test reports and compliance documentation as part of the project handover package.
To prepare a technical proposal and quotation for a shipborne screw ship unloader, we need the following project inputs. This information allows us to confirm capacity, drive power, structural interface and control architecture.
| Input Category | Details Required |
|---|---|
| Vessel data | DWT, hull form, hold dimensions, hatch openings, deck layout |
| Material properties | Bulk density, lump size, moisture content, temperature, abrasiveness |
| Capacity target | Required t/h, operating hours per day, peak vs. average demand |
| Electrical system | Voltage, frequency, available power, control interface requirements |
| Discharge interface | Shore conveyor, receiving hopper, onboard transfer system details |
| Environmental limits | Dust emission target, noise limit, ambient temperature range |
| Project schedule | Vessel construction or dry-dock dates, installation window |
The unloader is driven by the vessel's main engine or auxiliary generator through a power take-off system. Installed power ranges from 400 to 800 kW depending on capacity configuration. A dedicated motor control center with soft-start is integrated into the ship's electrical system.
Operation is limited to sea state 3 (wave height up to 1.25 m) for safe boom handling. Motion sensors automatically pause operation if vessel pitch or roll exceeds preset limits. Heavy weather securing procedures are defined for sea state 4 and above.
The screw conveyor is accessible through deck hatches and below-deck maintenance platforms. Major wear components including screw flighting segments and liner plates are replaceable in situ. Regular inspection intervals: screw flighting every 400 hours, gearbox oil every 3000 hours, dust filter cleaning weekly during operation.
Eliminates the need for shore-based unloaders, reducing terminal capital expenditure. Allows vessels to discharge at any berth with minimal shore interface. Reduces port turnaround time compared to waiting for shore unloader availability. Particularly advantageous for ports with limited unloading equipment.
Installation requires hull penetration and structural reinforcement, typically completed during vessel construction or a dry-dock period over 6–8 weeks. Factory assembly and testing are completed before shipment, followed by sea trials validation after integration.
AOTUO provides spare parts availability, technical guidance and remote diagnostic assistance. Our service network covers major ports in Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Crew training and documentation are included in the project handover.
Our portfolio also includes 500-200000 DWT 200-3000t/h Rail Mobile Screw Coal Ship Unloader for applications with different operating ranges, interfaces or integration requirements.