Productivity & Innovation

Engineering the next cycle

Productivity is not defined by design alone, it is defined by how a grab performs in operation. To improve that performance, you first need to understand it. At Nemag, this starts with analyzing how grabs interact with bulk material, crane systems and real operating conditions. Only then can performance be improved in a way that is measurable, predictable and relevant in practice.

How can we do it better?

Our commitment to innovation

Improving productivity starts with defining what productivity actually means for a specific application. This includes identifying where time is lost during the handling cycle and how performance can be improved before changes are implemented.

By focusing on the underlying mechanics of the handling process, Nemag ensures that improvements are not generic, but tailored to real operational conditions.

Research and collaboration

To better understand grab performance, Nemag uses advanced simulation techniques developed in collaboration with TU Delft. These models simulate how bulk material behaves inside the grab and how it interacts with the crane system during operation.

This approach provides insight into factors that cannot be measured directly in the field, such as material flow, filling behavior and load distribution.

The results form the basis for design improvements, which are then validated in real-world conditions.

1968

Scissors Grab

We launched our Scissors grab. Combining the cleaning efficiency and closing force of a trimming grab with the stable suspension of a clamshell.

scissors-grab-render_0_165

1968

1970

Quick Release Link

We introduced the Quick Release Link, enabling faster and safer connection and release of grabs during operations.

quickreleaselink

1970

2003

Rope Pear Socket Type S

The Rope Pear Socket Type S was designed for special steel wire ropes. The geometry of this new range has been adjusted to create an even more favourable situation with regard to wire deflection behind the Rope Pear Socket.

Rope pear socket type S

2003

2018

NemaX

Years of collaboration, research and simulation with TU Delft ultimately result in the introduction of the NemaX. A faster and lighter grab with a low center of gravity and larger opening, enabling at least 10% faster unloading of the hold.

nemax-100jaar

2018

Social post SMT 5

Marc Smeets

SMT Shipping

"Our handling speed increased from 1,000 to 1,250 tons per hour. The NemaX paid for itself more than four times in its first year. "

vli pecem nemax grab 05

Paulo Ribeiro

VLI Pecém

"We now unload a ship in four days instead of five. Savings in demurrage costs are considerable, to say the least."

Our drive for quality

Turning innovation into reliable performance

Improving productivity only matters if performance is consistent and reliable in daily operations. At Nemag, improvements are embedded in controlled production processes to ensure that innovations perform as expected once implemented.

Quality assurance plays a key role in this process, ensuring that designs, materials and production steps are aligned with the intended performance.

How we ensure quality

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Optimizing cycle speed

The driver of productivity

Cycle speed determines how efficiently material is handled during each operation.

Instead of optimizing the grab in isolation, Nemag analyzes how the full system behaves — including material flow, grab geometry and crane interaction. This makes it possible to identify inefficiencies that are not visible in standard operation.

By improving how the grab fills, moves and discharges material, cycle efficiency becomes more predictable and consistent, directly impacting overall throughput.

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Liebherr crane unloading drybulk with clamshell grab

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