Investigation and Development of the Use of Self-Unloaders in U.S. Dry Bulk Commerce - Phases I and II

摘要

The objective of this study is to determine and measure the factors which contribute to the success of self-unloaders and compare them to oceangoing dry bulk carriers. The report examines economic and operational factors for all major dry bulk trades in both the Great Lakes and U.S./foreign commerce which are susceptible to handling with self-unloading gear. The report concludes that the use of oceangoing self-unloaders is economically feasible under certain conditions and sets of operational factors. These include the length of voyage, ship size, terminal dimensions, and loading and discharging rates as well as cargo availability and physical characteristics.