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BidBird’s box bundling tech takes flight

Arizona-based construction marketplace, BidBird, has developed a multiple container handling system aimed at reducing costs and improving port efficiency.

Nick Savvides, Europe correspondent

July 19, 2024

1 Min Read
new rendering (Artist Impression)
Artist Impression of BidBird multiple container handling systemImage: BidBird

Described as an innovator in maritime logistics technology BidBird is in the process of stress testing its Monarch and Dragonfly system that will allow container terminals to lift either two or four fully loaded 20ft or 40ft boxes simultaneously, Dragonfly lifts two containers and Monarch four.

Monarch is the company’s latest innovation to link four 40ft containers with the potential to significantly reduce container handling times, reduce costs and improve port efficiency, claims the company.

BidBird President Trevor Pan believes Monarch will revolutionize maritime logistics by delivering unprecedented efficiencies and improved safety to maritime logistics.

"With patents pending, this innovative product is destined to become a cornerstone of modern shipping practices,” said Pan.

According to the company the Dragonfly and Monarch clips, which link containers together can reduce box handling times by 50 and 75% respectively.

However, another major factor that could persuade carriers to use the system is that with lashing bars used to bundle containers through the unit’s corner posts, bundled container will increase the stability of a container stack reducing the risk of stack collapses during heavy weather.

“This stability not only ensures the safety of the cargo but also offers potential reductions in insurance premiums for shipping companies,” claimed BidBird.

Related:ELME Spreader expanding facilities as it grows crane product range

The Arizona company is initially offering spreader bars for use with quay or mobile cranes.

Moreover, BidBird advises that port operators can opt to modify gantry cranes to handle the increased weight and that ship cell guides will require minor modifications to accommodate this new system.

About the Author

Nick Savvides

Europe correspondent

Experienced journalist working online, in monthly magazines and daily news coverage. Nick Savvides began his journalistic career working as a freelance from his flat in central London, and has since worked in Athens, while also writing for some major publications including The Observer, The European, Daily Express and Thomson Reuters. 

Most recently Nick joined The Loadstar as the publication’s news editor to develop the profile of the publication, increase its readership and to build a team that will market, sell and report on supply chain issues and container shipping news. 

This was a similar brief to his time at ci-online, the online publication for Containerisation International and Container News. During his time at ci-online Nich developed a team of freelancers and full-time employees increasing its readership substantially. He then moved to International Freighting Weekly, a sister publication, IFW also focused on container shipping, rail and trucking and ports. Both publications were published by Informa. 

Following his spell at Informa Nick joined Reed’s chemical reporting team, ICIS, as the chemical tanker reporter. While at ICIS he also reported on the chemical industry and spent some time on the oil & gas desk. 

Nick has also worked for a time at Lloyd’s Register, which has an energy division, and his role was writing their technical magazine, before again becoming a journalist at The Naval Architect for the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. After eight successful years at RINA, he joined Fairplay, which published a fortnightly magazine and daily news on the website.

Nick's time at Fairplay saw him win the Seahorse Club Journalist of the Year and Feature Writer of the Year 2018 awards.

After Fairplay closed, Nick joined an online US start-up called FreightWaves. 

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