With the addition of two new gantry cranes and two shuttle carriers, Hutchison Port BEST now has a total of 13 quay cranes capable of operating the world’s largest container ships.
The cranes are currently being commissioned and are expected to be operational within the next few weeks.
President of the Port of Barcelona Mercè Conesa said: “Nine years ago, Hutchison Ports BEST received its first cranes in Barcelona to start operating in this terminal.
“Today, BEST has become one of the best performing semi-automated terminals for loading and unloading containers not only in Europe, but worldwide.”
Since its inauguration in 2021, BEST has been increasing its quality standards, achieving vessel productivities of more than 200 moves per hour, and average crane productivities of more than 40 moves per hour on a sustained basis.
The terminal is capable of operating up to three 23,000 teu vessels simultaneously.
Conesa added; “These new cranes, capable of operating with the largest container ships on the market, will enable the Port of Barcelona to remain at the forefront of the international port sector.
“The new machinery also represents a great step forward in environmental sustainability, one of our strategic axes, as the cranes have an innovative system that allows the energy generated during operation to be reused.”
Guillermo Belcastro, CEO of BEST, highlighted the value BEST has generated for the supply chain, including the efficiency in the dock, the reduction of waiting times for trucks, the extension of the area of influence, the increase of rail quota and the reduction of the environmental impact.
Hutchison Port’s Clemence Cheng said: “After many years of operating our facility here in Barcelona, we are proud to say that the vision we had many years ago to build one of the most technologically advanced container terminals in Europe, has not just been fulfilled, but has exceeded all our expectations.”
