How can I describe the kind of stevedoring operations or?
Different ports use different equipment. I think most loading of grain is down by a conveyor belt with the discharge end moved over each hold in order to load the ship safely. I suppose some ports could use grab buckets and cranes. Tapioca used to be loaded on to big bulkers in Thailand from lighters (barges) moved alongside the ship, and loaded with cranes on barges; maybe it still is. For discharge, some ports use vacuum systems and others cranes with grabs.