BARCELONA (Special Correspondent) – Hutchison Ports BEST hosted an official event at its facilities in the Port of Barcelona on 3 September 2026 to commemorate the installation of two high-capacity Ship-to-Shore (STS) quay cranes. This expansion project represents a significant milestone in the terminal’s long-term development strategy, aimed at accommodating the world’s largest container vessels and bolstering its role as a key logistics hub in the Mediterranean.

Institutional Recognition of Port Development

The event was attended by high-level government officials, including Mr Óscar Puente, Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, and Mr Miquel Sàmper, Minister of Business and Labour of the Government of Catalonia. Also in attendance were Mr Jordi Valls, Fourth Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City Council; Ms Alba Bou, Mayor of El Prat de Llobregat; and Mr José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona, alongside various industry stakeholders. The gathering emphasized the necessity of strategic investments in integrated urban planning and infrastructure to maintain economic competitiveness.

Technical Specifications and Operational Impact

The new units, manufactured by ZPMC, are the world’s largest cranes featuring a specialized goose neck design. They are engineered to service vessels spanning up to 26 container rows with a 55-metre clearance under the spreader. These cranes, which arrived in June for extensive commissioning, increase the terminal’s fleet to 15 Super Post-Panamax quay cranes. This equipment is integrated with 68 automated cranes and 40 Shuttle Carriers across a 1,500-metre berth line. Regarding the broader impact, CEO Guillermo Belcastro stated, “These assets mean greater capacity for our customers, higher productivity, and more flexibility to respond to an increasingly demanding environment.”

Strategic Connectivity and Future Growth

BEST continues to distinguish itself through its operational efficiency and an eight-track rail facility, which remains the largest among Mediterranean ports, facilitating seamless connectivity to national and European logistics corridors. This infrastructure is vital for managing the 30-plus weekly calls that link the terminal to global trade routes. The company’s vision is currently focused on a broader expansion phase, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, which will include the addition of six automated blocks. This expansion, coupled with the procurement of three additional quay cranes, serves to solidify the terminal’s status as a primary partner for global shipping lines. As logistics operators navigate evolving market conditions, initiatives similar to those seen in industrial development projects worldwide, highlight the critical nature of such infrastructure enhancements. For further context on regional infrastructure, readers may review updates regarding infrastructure project timelines.

Corporate Background

Hutchison Ports BEST operates as the first semi-automated terminal within the Hutchison Ports Group, serving as the most technologically advanced port development in Spain. As part of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, the terminal is integrated into a global network that operates across 53 ports in 24 countries, spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Australasia.