Moveable solutions in high demand
The Finnish port of Raahe has opted for Collinson's BestHall stores
Leading suppliers of port storage solutions are continuing to rack up orders for their 'non-conventional' systems which can be used as temporary, semi-permanent or permanent warehouses for a range of cargoes.
Norway's OB Wiik, which classes its WiikHall range as "relocateable", claims sales have increased continuously for five years with its products now installed in more than 60 countries.
Ole Gregorsen, export director, says the products are both low cost and flexible and can be designed according to client specification. "Normally clients use them as a warehouse," he adds. "They can be used for every type of cargo. They are for anyone who needs warehousing quickly. We do a lot of work with non-governmental organisations who use our products for grains and other foodstuffs."The range covers everything from smaller "covering" jobs using anodised aluminium arches which can be set up by two men without the use of a crane or lift, through to larger aluminium frame structures which require a supervisor. "Some of our buildings have been standing for over 30 years," he says. "Ports can hire the building first and then buy it, but more usually they buy it as they can always resell them."
In November, the company will start the installation of a 25 x 125 metre WiikHall structure at an unspecified port on Norway's west coast. This contracts comes hot on the heels of a 40 x 97 metre warehouse ordered by the same client in 2007 which is now used for storing fertiliser.
Last year, the company also secured a deal with Moss Harbor in Norway for a 25 x 56 metres warehouse which was storing fertiliser just six weeks after the confirmed order was received, says Mr Gregorsen.
Two WiikHall warehouses, each of 25 x 120 m dimensions, were also fitted at a port in Southern Africa last year where they are now used for storing copper sulphate.
UK-based Collinson supplies semi-permanent and permanent Finland-made BestHall steel framed, PVC-clad tension membrane buildings.
"We don't class ours as temporary really, the materials are designed to last indefinitely and we go through regular building approvals," says director Dan Collinson. "But they can be used for temporary applications because they are quicker to erect and dismantle and can be relocated faster than a steel frame building. This means they can then be sold on at a later date and even shipped overseas."
The structural design of the patented BestHall buildings enables clear internal spans up to 100 m width, while a PVC roof allows natural light into the building, saving on lighting costs.
Buildings up to 50 m span can usually be erected on an existing asphalt base while larger structures require concrete bases. "Foundation requirements are not as complicated or expensive as traditional buildings and, on port sites where sometimes the ground quality is not the best, this can be a factor," he says.
In recent years orders have included contracts for the ports of Belfast and Dublin, while this year new orders have been won in Finland where two buildings of 5,000m and one of 3,600 m2 have been installed at the ports of Kokkola, Turku and Raahe, respectively.
Mr Collinson says that, although installation and erection time is minimal - normally counted in weeks rather than months - the structures can be used for as long as traditional buildings, while the PVC membrane provides additional advantages such as reduced dehumidifier workload which can be ideal for many types of cargoes. "We generally offer a minimum of 12 weeks lead time, from order to site, then erection takes around 500 sq m per week."
Images for this article - click to enlarge
Unless otherwise stated, all images copyright © Mercator Media 2012. This does not exclude the owner's assertion of copyright over the material.
