-The larger 8000 metric tph shiploader is a travelling type of shiploader. The unit has a series of parallel bogies that are mounted on rails that run parallel to the ship and run the length of the dock. The shiploader unit is fed by a dock conveyor and a travelling tripper conveyor that will move with the shiploader. The shipoloader incorporates a luffing boom that allows the shiploader to load different types of vessels. The luffing boom can also be raised in a vertical position for storage purposes and to allow the vessel to depart the berth.

- A traveling ship loader is usually mounted on a pair of rails that are parallel to the dock and the ship. A dock conveyor will also run the length of the dock and a tripper conveyor will also travel with the ship loader as the unit moves on the dock to load the different ship’s holds. Belt conveyors are used on the luffing boom, and a shuttle head is also used to facilitate loading of the different areas of a ship’s hold. A rotating spoon is also used to facilitate the discharge spout accessing selected areas as the ship is loaded.

- A radial ship loader incorporates a pivot point at the dock side end which allows the ship loader to access the full length of the ship. The lower part of the ship loader is fixed in a bridge section. The upper structure travels on the bridge section allowing the boom to extend to provide coverage of the different areas of the ship’s hold.