UPM Pulp Matters 1/2023

PULP FAC T

“THERE AREN’T MANY SPECIALISED PULP TERMINALS OUT THERE WITH THE SAME CAPABILITIES.”

The new pulp terminal at Montevideo port is used for receiving, handling and storing pulp and chemicals needed in pulp production. Operational since October 2022, the highly specialised, fit-for-purpose terminal targets maximum efficiency, around 100 people working in three shifts. “The terminal works 24/7 every day of the year and it can handle over two million tonnes of pulp annually,” says Andrés Rey . UPM operates the terminal on a 50-year concession. “Looking around the world, there aren’t many specialised pulp terminals out there with the same capabilities,” Rey says, adding that he feels “so proud” to have been able to participate in the project since 2016, when its design phase started. A total of 50,000 m 2 of warehouse space has been built for the terminal operations. “There’s enough space to store 150,000 tonnes of pulp,” reports Rey who has been with UPM for 17 years – always in logistics. POWERING UP THE PIER The current dock at the Montevideo port has been built to allow larger vessels to enter the port for cargo loading. Furthermore, the port depth has been increased allowing full shipments out from Montevideo. “Our pier is 240 metres long and can accommodate vessels up to 225 metres long, and with approximately 50,000 tonnes of pulp intake.” The dock can also handle operations of two very different types of vessels, making it unique in the industry: the pier can serve both tankers with liquid cargoes and general cargo vessels, with minor adjustments required and less idle time between them. “This is one example of the design solutions we’ve made – allowing quick operative adjustments at the pier and high efficiency terminal operations at the same time.” In addition, all handling of pulp is conducted with extra caution. “We have pulp handling tools and systems that cause the least damage to the cargo. Best standards and practices are deployed to ensure quality at all times,” says Rey.

“We have learned the industrial way of doing things, with focus on automation and safety,” says Andrés Rey.

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PUL P MAT TERS 01/2023