Kushiro Port, Hokkaido, Japan
Bühler’s Portalink has been installed in the Japanese port of Kushiro for the past five years, transforming the capacity of this vital facility by unloading more materials than any other unloader in Japan. Located on the island of Hokkaido, the strategically important state-owned port has been in operation since the late 19th century and was selected as an international bulk strategic port for grains in 2011.
The Hokkaido region plays a central role in Japan’s food supply, with the port serving as a crucial logistics hub. Around 50% of Japan’s milk is produced in Hokkaido, and much of the material unloaded at Kushiro is used in feed production for the region’s many livestock and dairy farmers.
In 2019 Kushiro-Nishiko-Kaihatsufuto K.K – the company commissioned to manage the port’s facilities – took the decision to boost Kushiro’s capacity, with Bühler commissioned to install its market-leading Portalink. Although it wasn’t the first ship unloader Bühler has installed in Japan, it was the first to be provided to a state-owned customer – making it a hugely significant project.
Challenging installation in harsh conditions
The Portalink’s installation proved to be a test for the ingenuity of Bühler’s engineers. Not only is assembly of an unloader like the Portalink impossible on the pier itself, the commissioning also took place in the depths of winter. This meant that workers were regularly having to contend with temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees.
Innovative pre-assembly and logistics
The solution was to pre-assemble the unloader into large transportable units in China and deliver it by ship to Kushiro, where it was placed directly onto the pier for final assembly. These logistical challenges were more than worth it, however, with the Portalink increasing the facility’s total unloading capacity to 1,600 tons per hour. In combination with a new pier this means that fully loaded ships can now enter the port for the first time, instead of having to first reduce their loads. The Portalink also has a loading capacity of 800 tons per hour, enhancing the port’s status as grain transport hub.
High capacity and advanced features
The fully mobile Portalink’s high capacity, outstanding chain conveyor technology and low energy use made it a highly attractive option. But it was the extra features tailored to Kushiro’s specific needs – along with Bühler’s reputation for exemplary after-sales service – that meant it was the perfect choice. Not only has it been fitted with highly effective earthquake shock absorbers because of the active seismic zones in the region, but an additional jib crane also allows operators to lift 15-ton bulldozers directly into a ship’s hatches without any pause in unloading.
The project is proof of the value of successful international cooperation, involving Bühler personnel from Switzerland, Germany and the local support team in Japan, as well as the invaluable contribution of factory staff in China – all working in close partnership with the Kushiro port authorities.
The customer remains very satisfied with its Portalink, which has the highest unloading capacity of any unloader in Japan, and the end result has been to further enhance Bühler’s reputation in the Japanese market. The successful delivery and installation of the Portalink, and its highly efficient ongoing performance, mean that Bühler is now recognised as the go-to provider of advanced unloaders to meet all customer needs – both now and in the future.
Since 2019, we have been in charge of the management and operation of an international logistics terminal as a private wharf operator. The corn and other grain raw materials that we unload using our own unloading machinery are used as feed to supply dairy farmers in eastern Hokkaido, so we are making stable operations our number one priority.
Mutsuo Tsujioka,
Head of business department at Kushiro-Nishiko-Kaihatsufuto K.K
As a bulk grain handling machine, Bühler’s Portalink has the unloading capacity to handle large ships, which improves work efficiency and makes it possible to receive large volumes of grain. In addition, the trans-shipment function makes it possible to transport grains to other ports using Kushiro Port as a hub.
Satoshi Kishimoto, Kushiro-Nishiko-Kaihatsufuto K.K.,
In charge of Bühler unloader
The unloader has been successfully delivered, has operated smoothly and continues to meet the requirements of the customer. With these facts, I can say that our unloaders have established a strong reputation in the Japanese market, and Bühler is recognized as being able to provide the most efficient and advanced unloaders to meet the current and future demands of our customers.
Kenji Yamauchi,
Manager Grain Quality & Supply Business Area, Bühler K.K.
Gupfenstrasse 5
Uzwil
9240
Switzerland
