Benghazi’s Julyana Free Zone Port announced yesterday the launch of the implementation of its Grain Silo Project which is expected to be completed within one year.
The Free Port said it is the largest grain silo project of its kind currently being implemented both in terms of size and storage capacity.
It revealed that several local and international companies are participating in the project, under the direct supervision and monitoring of the Jalyana Free Zone Authority and the Libyan company Aber Alalem (Across the World), which is responsible for the civil works, including the construction of the silo foundations.
French, Belgian and Turkish companies
The Free Zone Port reported that a French company is constructing the modern grain conveyor system, and a Belgian company is manufacturing the Vegan brand grain conveyors. A Turkish company is also involved, undertaking most of the project: the construction of the grain storage facilities (silos).
20 silos
providing further details about the project, the General Manager of the Silos Project, Engineer Mohammed bin Attia, explained that the project, designed as a cylindrical silo system with 20 silos, is one of the largest projects of its kind globally in terms of area and capacity. It occupies an area of approximately 9 hectares, with each silo reaching a height of 26 meters, while the silo towers reach a height of 40 meters, and each silo has a diameter of 27.4 meters.
Bagging plant, quality control lab and dedicated power station
Bin Attia added that the project includes the construction of a fully integrated grain bagging plant, a state-of-the-art quality control and testing laboratory, as well as the laying of electrical cables and the construction of a dedicated power station to supply the project with the energy required for its efficient operation.
A strategic grain reserve
The project aims to provide a strategic grain reserve, insulating it from any international fluctuations or impacts that might affect grain supplies to the country or neighbouring countries.
Temperature controlled silos
Bin Attia pointed out that the silos are designed to accommodate various types of grain, including wheat, barley, soybeans, corn, and others, with the ability to control the temperature inside each silo according to the requirements of the stored grain, thus ensuring the maintenance of the highest quality standards. The operating system was also requested to be translated into Arabic alongside English, and the silos were to be equipped for simultaneous import and export procedures.
Grain suction machines
The Free Zone Authority installed two modern Vegan-type grain suction machines, which directly transfer grain from ships to the silos. Each machine has an operational capacity of approximately 600 tons per hour. Given that the world’s largest grain carrier has a capacity of no more than 60,000 tons, the unloading process will take no more than 50 hours, ensuring no loss of cargo, the Free Zone Port explained.
Quality control
A dedicated building will also be constructed to serve as a laboratory for analysing and evaluating grain quality before unloading. If a shipment does not meet the approved specifications, it will be classified as animal feed.
The project also includes the construction of a grain bagging plant with 10 filling stations, located between the marine berth and the silos, which will facilitate handling and distribution operations.
Ben Attia concluded his remarks by mentioning the contract to establish an integrated maintenance workshop for all facilities of the silos project, including machinery, buildings and operating systems, in addition to providing spare parts and periodic maintenance programmes, as well as organizing training courses for project workers, and opening up new horizons and job opportunities for young people.
