Hutchison Ports BEST increases its operational capacity with two new, bigger quay cranes to support its customers’ growth in Barcelona

Hutchison Ports BEST celebrated the arrival of two new, larger quay cranes at its Port of Barcelona facility, marking a significant step in the terminal's ongoing development. The event, attended by senior officials including ministers from Spain and Catalonia, as well as the Mayor of Barcelona and the Port of Barcelona President, underscored the importance of these additions to the terminal's growth strategy.

The STS quay cranes, manufactured by ZPMC in China, are the world's largest with a goose-neck design, capable of operating vessels up to 26 container rows and 55 meters in height under the spreader. Their incorporation into BEST's fleet, which now totals 15 Super Post-Panamax quay cranes, enhances the terminal's capacity, productivity, and flexibility in handling increasingly large container ships.

BEST's CEO, Guillermo Belcastro, emphasized that these cranes represent more than just new equipment; they signify greater capacity, higher efficiency, and stronger connectivity for the terminal. This expansion is part of a broader vision of responsible growth that incorporates innovations such as semi-automation and energy efficiency.

The new cranes complement BEST's existing infrastructure, which includes an eight-track rail facility—the largest among Mediterranean ports—and over 30 weekly calls connecting the terminal with global ports. With plans to expand further, adding six more automated blocks by the end of 2027, BEST is poised to remain a strategic partner for global trade, offering a terminal that can grow alongside its customers and meet the demands of the evolving trade landscape.