Eco-hopper to further Rosyth ambition

Plans to position the port of Rosyth as the main agri-hub for Scotland have taken a step forward with the arrival of a Samson eco-hopper to provide dustcontrolled import facilities.

A multi-million-pound investment is under way, designed to provide an agribulk structure for feed, food and fuel supply company, Cefetra.

The eco-hopper will receive dry bulk materials such as grain and aggregates and is designed to ensure the safety of staff as it is equipped with safety measures which minimise the escape of dust.

Rosyth senior port manager Derek Knox said it would be used on the next grain shipment due into port.

The hopper’s safety measures include a storm anchor system comprising of chains, shackles and attachments to secure the equipment during high winds, ready-to-load traffic lights and sounders, working lighting and safety overload protection.

The operators’ cabin is climatecontrolled and provides a 360-degree view of the operation.

Samson materials handling managing director Dale Lockley said the Forth Ports Group already used his company’s ship loading and stockpiling equipment at their other ports, but this was the first eco-hopper to be installed in the UK.

The hopper is just over 18 metres high and topped by a tapered inlet shroud which minimises any dust generation caused by cross winds.

Other filters prevent dust from spreading and material can pass through the hopper at a peak rate of 1,200 tonnes per hour.

The unit is wheel mounted which allows it to be positioned around the port and to be moved clear to allow other operations to continue when not in use.

The Samson eco-hopper.