A shiploader is a large machine used for continuously loading bulk solid materials such as iron ore, coal, fertilizers, grains and/or material in bags onto ships or barges.

These machines are located in ports and jetties to facilitate bulk material exportation. Generally shiploaders are engineered to suit specific project requirements. Those requirements often include: port design, material characteristics, loading capacity, vessel type, local law, and budgetary limitations.

A shiploader mainly consists of a central column, an extendable arm or boom, a belt conveyor extending out of the boom structure, a slewing mechanism, and a loading chute to transfer product from a source conveyor or feeder. The boom can move front and back, up and down by separate drives so that it can fill the whole breadth of the ship hold and adapt to the ships increasing draught while it is loaded.

Apron feeder at Chinese port

The shiploader is essential to the global shipping industry. Globalization has promoted the need for international maritime ports to be equipped with efficient and durable shiploading machinery able to a handle the great variety of materials that enter into harbors within short time frames. This need for efficiency of loading and unloading has promoted advances in shiploader technologies.  There are two main types of shiploaders, stationary and mobile.  The distinguishing element between the two is portability versus immovability.