Shaver Transportation - Powering Efficiency on the Columbia Snake River System

How MELTRIC^® Ensures a Legacy of Reliability

• Reduced Downtime

• Enhanced Durability

• Improved Safety

• Increased Efficiency

Introduction: 

Founded in 1880, Shaver Transportation boasts a rich history of serving the Columbia Snake River System. Their success hinges on the unfaltering operation of a powerful fleet of tugboats and barges. Shaver prioritizes safety, quality, reliability, and exceptional customer service.

The Challenge: 

Prior to adopting MELTRIC connectors, Shaver experienced significant downtime and frustration due to issues with their existing ship-to-shore electrical connections. These problems included:

• Frequent Breakage: Their existing connectors broke multiple times a week, causing delays and repairs.

• Welding Issues: Terminal pins would burn off or weld together, rendering connections unusable and unrepairable consequently requiring replacement.

• Difficult Repairs: The complexity of fixing their connections exacerbated downtime.

Solution: MELTRIC Efficiency

Out of necessity, Shaver sought a robust and reliable solution to maintain uninterrupted operations due to the persistent challenge of frequent connector failures and downtime. After careful evaluation of available options, MELTRIC emerged as the clear choice for several compelling reasons. These included durability, reliability, ease of use, and safety. In switching to MELTRIC, Shaver Transportation anticipated a substantial improvement in operational efficiency, cost savings, and overall satisfaction.

Results/Benefits:

For over 20 years, Shaver Transportation has used MELTRIC’s DS100C straight insertion connectors for ship-to-shore connections. This switch has resulted in a two-decade long relationship with dramatic improvements in several key areas:

• Reduced Downtime: Easier maintenance and repairs significantly minimize downtime compared to the previous connectors.

• Enhanced Durability: MELTRIC connectors offer superior durability, leading to fewer breaks and replacements.

• Improved Safety: Reliable connections minimize the risk of disconnects and potential safety hazards.

• Increased Efficiency: Faster repairs and a reduction in connector failures contribute to overall operational efficiency.

About Shaver Transportation: 

Shaver Transportation’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and innovative marine transportation services and solutions on the Columbia Snake River System, while focusing on our customers and employees. The company is the oldest family-owned and operated tugboat company on the west coast with 140 employees. The Headquarters is in Portland, Oregon with additional moorings in Rainer, Oregon and the Port of Portland Terminal 6. Their fleet consists of 22 grain barges, 16 tugboats (8 tractor tugs).

Shaver Transportation focuses efforts on four lines of business: ship assist, bulk commodity transportation, harbor/marine services, and emergency response and rescue. They are dedicated to the protection of life and the environment with a reputation for success built on operating a powerful fleet with experienced employees.

The Words of Mike Price – Senior Port Electrician/Safety Officer:

Prior to selecting MELTRIC for ship-to-shore connections, Shaver experienced significant challenges that increased repair costs and frustration.  

Mike explained that the connections were “breaking three times a week” when “tugboats would drive off with a plug in.” The result was “a major disaster on a Friday at 3:30 when” employees were “trying to get home.” The team experienced pins that were “burned off and pins welded together,” making it so you could not separate plugs and receptacles.

This resulted in annoyance and excessive downtime as “when they weld themselves, you don’t repair those. [You must] cut it off and get a new one.” 

Upon switching to MELTRIC, Mike boasted that “when crews drive off now, if [they] break one of the end pieces it’s a five-minute fix versus a couple hours.” He praised the new connections saying they “save a lot of time and money and frustration.”

Make durability and efficiency top priorities in shorepower connections. Contact MELTRIC to Try a Free Plug and Receptacle today.