Course Introduction

A marine loading arm, commonly called a mechanical loading arm, is a mechanical arm consisting of steel pipes that connect a cargo terminal or storage tanker to a transport tanker or ship. It is controlled either manually or hydraulically. Marine loading arms can handle both liquids and gases of varying viscosities and temperatures.

Broadly, they consist of four main parts—a stand post, an inboard arm, an outboard arm and swivel joints. Marine loading arms are symmetrical in design, which serves several purposes, such as distributing the load across swivel joints, symmetrical division of forces within the structure, etc.

While loading arms are one of the most convenient and suitable loading technologies or machinery one could think of, the extent of activities at ports and harbors and the need for faster and more efficient machines and technologies is resulting in further innovation to ease ship-to-shore connections.

Course Objectives

The main objective of this Marine Loading Arm, Terminal Operating and Management System course is to empower marine professionals with—

• thorough knowledge and information about marine loading arms and terminal control systems
• the required experience and knowledge to the device and implement new ideas and advanced technologies to manage the loading process seamlessly and efficiently
• the required skill to undertake greater roles and responsibilities within the organization, contributing to growth and progression in their careers
• adequate knowledge and confidence to successfully train new employees on the working and mechanics of marine loading arms and their associated terminal control systems
• reduced risk of mishaps and/or other damage to property and lives because of trained individuals performing operations
• the required skills and experience to work with advanced tools and technologies to manage control systems seamlessly
• the dynamic experience to handle all functions undertaken by control systems
• the required awareness and experience to work with different kinds of control systems

Who Should Attend?

• Owners and top management of marine organizations responsible for making purchase decisions and other such finance-related critical decisions for their organizations
• Technicians and engineers responsible for operating control systems and panels during the loading process
• Other port officials and ship crew who would participate in activities during the loading process
• Auditors and safety inspectors responsible for ensuring adherence to universal standards of employee health and safety as well as environmental regulations
• Legal authorities and finance advisors responsible for taking the legal course in the event of conflict or hazard

Course Outline

This course will cover the following topics that will help completely understand marine loading arms and terminal control systems:

Module 1 – Principles of a Marine Loading Arm Design

• Operating safety
• Environment protection
• Lean technology
• Ease of operation
• Low maintenance
• Ease of shipping and set-up

Module 2 – Parts of a Marine Loading Arm

• Stand post/riser
• Inboard arm
• Outboard arm
• Swivel joints

Module 3 – Three Types of Flange–Flange Connections

• Bolted flange connection
• Manual quick couplers
• Hydraulic quick couplers

Module 4 – General Functions of Terminal Operating Systems

• Shipping management
• Rail transport management
• Road transport management
• Yard management
• Invoicing/reporting
• Inventory

Module 5 – Different Types of Terminal Control Systems

• Local control
• Explosion protected pendant control
• Radio control
• Human-machine interface (HMI) position monitoring system

Module 6 – Types of Ports/Terminals Managed by a Control System

• Container terminals
• Multi-purpose terminals
• Universal/river terminals

Module 7 – Technologies used by Terminal Control Systems

• Internet
• Electronic data interchange (EDI) processing
• Mobile computers
• Wireless local area networks (LANs)
• Radio-frequency identification (RFID)

Module 8 – External Communication Avenues through Terminal Control Systems

• Terminal operators
• Freight forwarders
• Shipping agents
• Container operators
• Port authorities
• Customs officers

 Module 9 – Points of Consideration When Choosing Terminal Operating Systems

• Current pain points
• Cost-effectiveness
• Impact on customer service
• Impact on traffic capacity
• Scope for future optimization