C3 Limited, part of the broader LINX Cargo Care Group, has unveiled the new C3 Log Vessel Grapple (LVG) at the Port of Tauranga, a first in Australasia.

Held exclusively by C3 Limited, and developed in collaboration with industry partner, Page Macrae Engineering and customers, the new log loading technology offers safety and flexibility with no requirement for specialised infrastructure.

The grapple loading system –designed and built in New Zealand – is a shift away from the industry-norm of a plunger style Cranston and log wires which can present safety and efficiency challenges. Instead, the C3 LVG, which is easily transportable and can be operated in any port, removes the need for wharf hands to sling loads, reducing significant risks.

Gavin Hudson, of C3 New Zealand and Pedersen Group COO, says after a series of extensive trials the C3 LVG had already proven its worth, so much so that C3 has commissioned a further 22 units to be delivered in 2022.

“The initial results across the board were very impressive. The decreased level of exposure to risks for our people was immediately clear and there was a significant improvement on the traditional loading methods,” he says.

“Our first four C3 Log Vessel Grapples have gone live at Port of Tauranga and a further four will be commissioned in Wellington. Others will then follow as the year progresses,” he adds.

The development and delivery of the C3 LVG has also been of benefit to New Zealand’s domestic engineering and manufacturing sector with Page Macrae Engineering partnering on the highly technical and bespoke project.

“The entire PME team is proud to be involved in this project with C3. Although we have innovated a number of products for customers in the past, the C3 LVG’s are a real step forward for PME given the level of automation and ‘smarts’,” says Dave Body, Page Macrae Engineering CEO.

While safety and overall efficiency gains were significant drivers in the development of the C3 LVG, the flexibility, cost-effectiveness and compatibility the technology can provide added to its appeal.

“The arrival of the C3 LVG is exciting for our team, our customers and the industry. It’s a terrific piece of needs-based innovation that makes a real difference in the overall operation. The design of the C3 LVG means it’s easily deployed and can be operated from a standard crane. It’s self-powered and remote-operated and is designed to work with current standard trailers and log bunks, minimising additional infrastructure costs,” says Mr Hudson.