Hutchison Ports BEST has commissioned two new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at its Barcelona terminal, strengthening its ability to handle large container vessels. Built by ZPMC, the cranes have a 70-metre outreach and a 55-metre lift height above the rail, allowing them to handle vessels up to 26 container rows wide.
The Super Post Panamax cranes have been installed in the northern section of the terminal and are 10 metres taller than the existing units. They feature a gooseneck boom to meet height restrictions linked to the nearby airport. With the addition of the two cranes, BEST now has 15 Super Post-Panamax quay cranes, along with 68 automated stacking cranes and 40 shuttle carriers.
The investment is part of BEST’s wider expansion and modernisation programme. The terminal has also ordered three more STS cranes from ZPMC and plans to add six automated yard blocks by the end of 2027, while 26 fully electric low-height straddle carriers are planned as part of its efforts to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
