In June, 1992, Lassing Dibben (Pacific) Ltd., now renamed Seabulk Inc. was contracted to design a system that would contain dust emissions and eliminate spillage of metal concentrates into the sea, and to manage the task of removing the existing ship loader and installing the new ship loader. Turnkey responsibility for detailed design, procurement, quality assurance, erection schemes and field supervision were all included in the scope of work. Winter conditions in the Bering Sea would prevent any movement in or out of Kivalina, so the ‘drop dead’ date to complete on-site operations and safely return the erection barge was set before the commencement of winter freezing. In a 15-day window the old ship loader was removed and a fully assembled new ship loader was installed. An enclosed ‘zero tolerance’ ship loader for metal concentrates became a reality when installation was completed. This is a unique ship loader which incorporates the following unique features:

• a fully enclosed boom with special inspection ports
• telescopic conveyor hoods for dust control
• a drag chain dribble conveyor inside the boom for removal of material spill
• special head chute for handling material from the belt and dribble conveyors
• flexible canvas head chute closure for collection of material spill after each loading operation
• separate remote station at head-end platform for accurate ship loader positioning
• provision for dust collector at the head chute.

The Red Dog Ship Loader received an Award of Engineering Excellence from the Association of Consulting Engineers, Canada.