Pradier Group Implements Sustainable Logistics Plan in Rhône Valley with Sennebogen Excavators

In the Rhône Valley, the Pradier Group has implemented a groundbreaking logistics plan that utilizes the river as a means of transportation, thanks to the assistance of two Sennebogen port handling excavators. This innovative approach, which has been in operation for several months, is a significant step towards embracing the principles of the circular economy.

The Pradier Group’s barges play a crucial role in the logistics organization by transporting materials from the Group’s quarries in Mondragon, located in the Vaucluse region. These noble materials are then supplied to construction sites in the Rhône, as well as the concrete plant and Pradier’s prefabrication plant in Lyon.

One of the Sennebogen excavators, the 840E electric excavator weighing 72 tons, unloads at Port Edouard Herriot, situated at the entrance of the Lyon urban area. This downstream flow enables the transportation of inert materials from deconstruction sites and various building actors operating in the Rhône-Alpes-Auvergne Region. On the other hand, the second excavator, the 855E electric excavator weighing 90 tons, unloads the barges arriving at Mondragon and supplies the inert materials treatment and recovery unit operated by Pradier.

To bring this ambitious project to life, Roland Pradier, the President of the Group, and Maxime Cendres, Director and member of the Strategic Committee, enlisted the support of Sygmat, the exclusive distributor of the Sennebogen brand in France. Sygmat played a crucial role in determining the appropriate specifications for the two handling excavators, which were essential for the successful implementation of the logistics plan. In addition to investing in three barges that navigate the Rhône on a daily basis, the project required suitable equipment to ensure the efficient unloading of ships from the booms constructed along the riverbanks, thereby supplying the production units in Lyon or facilitating recovery in Mondragon.

The decision was made to utilize 100% electric handling excavators, powered directly from the facilities network. These excavators, fixed in position on the booms, operate silently and without emitting any local pollutants. Despite being electric, they offer performance levels equivalent to those of traditional combustion engine machines. The 855E excavator, which operates at the Millénaire recovery site in Mondragon, is equipped with the GreenHybrid Sennebogen system. This innovative technology enables a 30% reduction in electricity consumption by recovering and redistributing energy during each up/down cycle of the machine’s boom. The Vauclusienne shovel operates on the Donzère-Mondragon canal, a diversion of the Rhône located north of Avignon. At this point, the difference in level between the bank and the regulated level of the canal is greater than in the basins of Port Lyonnais, allowing the equipment to complete full cycles over the entire stroke of its boom.

It is worth noting that both handling excavators are equipped with biodegradable oil. To ensure the efficient and sustainable use of this oil, a fluid monitoring program has been established in collaboration with the supplier Panolin. With the support of Sygmat’s maintenance management, the objective is to achieve zero replacement of hydraulic oil.

In the short term, the circular economy implemented by Pradier will have a significant impact on the environment. It is estimated that this approach will eliminate the need for approximately 5,000 truck journeys in the Rhône Valley annually, resulting in a reduction of 3,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. This virtuous logistics plan not only showcases the Pradier Group’s commitment to sustainability but also sets an example for other companies operating in the region.

What are the environmental and logistical advantages of utilizing the Rhône River for transportation compared to traditional truck transportation for the Pradier Group

Construction sites and plants with the necessary materials.

The Sennebogen excavators were chosen for their reliability, performance, and eco-friendly features. The 840E and 855E models are both electric, reducing emissions and noise pollution compared to diesel-powered machines. This aligns with the Pradier Group’s commitment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint.

By utilizing the Rhône River as a means of transportation, the Pradier Group is taking advantage of a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional truck transportation. The barges can carry a large quantity of materials, reducing the number of trucks on the road and decreasing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

In addition to the environmental benefits, this logistics plan also improves efficiency and reduces costs for the Pradier Group. The use of the handling excavators allows for quick and efficient unloading of the barges, ensuring a steady and timely supply of materials to the construction sites and plants. This helps to streamline operations and minimize downtime, ultimately leading to cost savings for the company.

Overall, the implementation of this innovative logistics plan showcases the Pradier Group’s commitment to sustainability and embracing the principles of the circular economy. By utilizing the river as a means of transportation and investing in eco-friendly handling equipment, they are reducing their environmental impact while improving efficiency and reducing costs. This groundbreaking approach sets a new standard for logistics in the Rhône Valley and serves as an example for other companies to follow in embracing more sustainable practices.