Hutchison Ports BEST has put two new Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes into operation at its container terminal in the Port of Barcelona.
The cranes arrived at the terminal at the end of June. They have since completed assembly, testing and commissioning.
The investment increases BEST’s capacity to handle some of the world’s largest containerships.
New cranes can handle vessels up to 26 rows wide
The two cranes were manufactured by ZPMC in China.
They are designed to handle vessels of up to 26 container rows and have a 55-metre height under spreader.
According to BEST, they are also the world’s largest quay cranes featuring a goose-neck design.
The terminal said the design will provide greater flexibility and improve loading and unloading operations.
“What these two cranes represent goes far beyond the addition of two new assets,” said Guillermo Belcastro, CEO of Hutchison Ports BEST.
He added that the equipment will increase capacity, productivity and operational flexibility.
BEST expands Barcelona equipment fleet
Following the addition, BEST now operates 15 Super Post-Panamax quay cranes.
Its equipment fleet also includes 68 automated cranes and 40 Shuttle Carriers.
The terminal has 1,500 metres of berth line and a water depth of 16.5 metres.
BEST also operates an eight-track rail facility connecting Barcelona with logistics corridors in Spain and elsewhere in Europe.
More than 30 weekly vessel calls currently connect the terminal with international markets.
Further expansion planned by 2027
The latest cranes form part of a wider expansion of the Barcelona terminal.
BEST expects the current expansion phase to be completed by the end of 2027, including the addition of six automated blocks.
The company has also recently announced plans to purchase three additional quay cranes.
BEST said these investments will complete the first phase of its expansion and further increase terminal capacity and efficiency.