Grab Solutions for Level luffing cranes

The right grab for your Level luffing cranes

Level luffing cranes are designed for efficient, repeatable bulk handling. The grab lifts from the hold, travels along the crane on rails, and discharges into the bunker with a direct, controlled movement. The short travel path supports clean release, steady flow to the hopper, and reliable tonnes per hour across the shift. In practice, level luffing cranes balance performance and investment. They run faster than mobile cranes that need to rotate during each cycle, while requiring far less infrastructure than a gantry crane. 

With the right grab configuration, you combine high fill factors, smooth discharge, stable rope loads, and predictable vessel turnaround at a cost level that suits many terminal layouts. At Nemag, we align crane characteristics with the right grab so you keep throughput high at a sensible cost level. 

Crane concept

A level luffing crane maintains a near level hook path, aligning hoisting and outreach for efficient transfer from ship to bunker. Because the trolley runs on rails, positioning is precise and repeatable, which helps the operator keep cycle times short and flow to the conveyor consistent. When the grab geometry and closing force are matched to the material and the crane’s load chart, penetration is smooth, filling is secure, and release is clean, all with minimal repositioning.

nemax drybulk grab render
NemaX grab
Clamshell grab render
Clamshell grab

Operational challenges

Terminals aim to maximize throughput while controlling total cost of ownership. Equipment weight influences quay design and civil works, so keeping the system light reduces infrastructure requirements. Energy use must be managed over long operating windows, and availability needs to remain high to avoid capacity loss. Variations in bulk density, moisture, and granularity add complexity, since the same crane may handle multiple materials without frequent changeovers. The objective is steady cycle times, high payload efficiency, low wear on ropes and components, and minimal unplanned stops.

nemax drybulk grab render
NemaX grab
scissors grab render
Scissors grab

Choosing the right grab

For level luffing cranes, NemaX is the first choice when speed, payload, and energy efficiency matter. Its low self-weight and optimized geometry shorten the cycle, increase useful load, and keep rope loads stable, which supports high productivity without excessive energy draw. Where day-to-day conditions vary, a heavy-duty clamshell provides broad material compatibility and straightforward maintenance. Cohesive or sticky cargo benefits from a scissors grab that delivers high closing force and dependable penetration, while irregular materials are best handled with orange peel grabs. 

nemax drybulk grab render
NemaX grab
Orange peel grab render
Orange peel grab
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Ronald Raats,
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