Continuous Heavy-Duty Cable Protection for Quays, Container Terminals and Port Infrastructure
Port operators face a constant challenge: protecting power cables from heavy vehicle traffic, dropped objects and harsh marine conditions without introducing equipment that becomes a maintenance problem in its own right. Conventional steel trench covers are prone to distortion, corrosion and seizure over time, often leading to difficult inspections, costly repairs and avoidable downtime.
The PB/SPB Cable Protection Belt was developed to overcome these shortcomings. Acting as a continuous semi-flexible cover for cable trenches and channels, it provides reliable protection while allowing cranes to pass freely without manual intervention. The result is a robust, low-maintenance solution that keeps critical power infrastructure protected while helping terminals maintain productivity.
The belt is permanently fixed along one side of the trench, while the opposite edge remains free. As the crane travels, a turnover anchor fitted with nylon rollers lifts the belt through 90°, allowing unrestricted movement. Once the crane has passed, the belt returns automatically to its closed position through its own weight and inherent flexibility.
Where It Solves Problems
- Container Terminals: Protects power cables from continuous RTG, RMG and terminal vehicle traffic while eliminating alignment and maintenance issues commonly associated with rigid cover systems to ensure safe, uninterrupted crane operations along the quay.
- Bulk Cargo Ports: Shields cable routes from falling materials, loose debris and heavy mobile equipment, providing dependable protection in demanding loading and unloading areas.
- Shipyards and Repair Facilities: Suitable for locations exposed to transporters, mobile cranes and intensive maintenance activity, reducing the likelihood of damage to cable infrastructure in busy working environments.
- Logistics Hubs and Intermodal Facilities: Well suited to high-traffic corridors where reliability is essential, delivering effective cable protection without complex mechanical assemblies.
Engineering Built for Impact
Each PB/SPB belt is manufactured from 13 layers of vulcanised materials bonded under high pressure and temperature. The construction combines steel cord reinforcement with engineered textiles to achieve a balance that is difficult to obtain with conventional systems: high transverse strength to support wheel loads and excellent longitudinal flexibility for repeated opening cycles.
Two versions are available, allowing operators to select the most appropriate solution for site conditions and traffic intensity:
| Feature | Type PB Standard | Type SPB Super |
| Rubber Composition | 80% SBR, 15% Steel, 5% Nylon | 75% SBR, 15% Steel, 10% Nylon |
| Warp Reinforcement | Treated nylon yarn (50 kN) | Nylon yarn (50 kN), polyester yarn (20 kN), dual synthetic fibre layers |
| Weft Reinforcement | Brass-coated steel cord (640 kN/m) | Brass-coated steel cord (720 kN/m) + polyamide yarn (160 kN) |
| Max Joint Breaking Load | 1,776 kg | 2,669 kg |
| Recommended Use | Standard traffic areas | Exceptionally high traffic loads |
Commercial Value & ROI
- No routine maintenance required during normal service.
- Designed for more than 250,000 opening and closing cycles.
- Eliminates many of the wear and seizure problems associated with steel cover systems.
- Easily incorporated into refurbishment projects or existing trench installations.
- Reduces labour spent on inspection, adjustment and repair work.
- Helps avoid berth closures caused by damaged or inaccessible cable covers.
- Performs reliably in corrosive marine environments.
- Lowers whole-life ownership costs while extending cable protection performance.
Technical Specifications & Dimensions
Operating Performance
| Parameter | Value |
| Ambient Temperature Range | -30°C to +80°C |
| Maximum Opening Angle | 90° |
| Minimum Opening Force at 90° | 40 kg |
| Elongation | 2% under 3,000 N load |
| Estimated Service Life | >250,000 cycles |
| Maximum Pressure on 100 mm Slot | 400 N/cm² |
| Min. Horizontal Bending Radius (External Hinge) | 35 m |
| Min. Horizontal Bending Radius (Internal Hinge) | 45 m |
Belt Dimensions & Weight
| Model | Width | PB Weight | SPB Weight |
| PB/SPB 300 | 295 mm | 6.0 kg/m | 6.5 kg/m |
| PB/SPB 400 | 395 mm | 7.5 kg/m | 8.0 kg/m |
| PB/SPB 500 | 495 mm | 9.5 kg/m | — |
| PB/SPB 600 | 595 mm | 11.5 kg/m | — |
System Components
| Component | Specification |
| Stainless Steel Channel | AISI 304 or AISI 316, 1.5 mm thick, 2 m lengths |
| Fixing Bars | Hot-dip galvanised steel, 30 × 8 mm, 13 holes/m |
| Rivets | Stainless steel or nickel-copper, 13 pcs/m |
| Belt Joint Elements | Pre-fixed galvanised steel connectors |
| Earthing System | Copper bars with bolted connections |
| Optional Accessories | Single or double turnover anchors, fixed opening devices |
Contact Our Technical Team
Whether you are designing a new quay installation or upgrading an existing cable trench system, our engineers can provide detailed drawings, loading assessments and project-specific recommendations. Contact our technical sales team to discuss the most suitable PB or SPB configuration for your application, tender requirements or site conditions.