The arrival of the new cranes will be the final stage of the second phase of the semi-automated terminal’s expansion which began in 2014. The expansion has seen the number of automated container storage blocks increase from 24 to 27.
The latest order is the second upgrade of facilities at BEST, one of Spain’s most technologically advanced port development projects, this year. The terminal’s fleet of shuttle carriers, which transfer containers among the quay, container yard and rail operations, has already been boosted by the arrival of six new machines to improve further the efficiency of operations at what is already one of the world’s most productive terminals. BEST has achieved a ship productivity rate of more than 200 movements per hour and a sustained average performance of more than 40 movements per hour and by crane.
Read More: Hutchison BEST terminal in Barcelona passes 1m container moves mark in 2017
The new equipment is also making the port more green. Diesel-electric engines on the new shuttle carriers help improve the overall energy efficiency of the terminal. In addition to the other electric equipment at the terminal, including quay cranes, storage area cranes and railway terminal cranes, BEST is one of the most environmentally sustainable facilities in Europe.
Guillermo Belcastro Hutchison Ports BEST ceo said: “This investment will result in a significant increase in operational and storage capacity at the terminal and will contribute to our continuous improvement of service levels both in maritime and land operations.”
BEST currently has 11 Super Post-Panamax quay cranes, 48 ASCs, 2 rail terminal cranes (RMGs) and 30 Shuttle Carriers to operate the terminal which occupies 79 ha and has a 1,500m berth with a depth of 16.5m.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.
