Hutchison Ports BEST has put into operation at its terminal in the Port of Barcelona the first electric Reach Stacker in Southern Europe. This new acquisition is part of an ambitious plan to reduce the carbon footprint of the terminal, making it the most sustainable and efficient terminal in southern Europe.
With this historic fact, the terminal begins to replace equipment that operates with a combustion engine and diesel fuel with all-electric machinery that uses lithium batteries. The incorporation of the electric Reach Stacker, manufactured by the company Sany, is a significant step towards the decarbonization of the terminal’s operations, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere.
Guillermo Belcastro, CEO of Hutchison Ports BEST, says: “Society in general and consumers in particular are increasingly demanding the sustainable treatment of products from the point of production to their distribution, including the entire supply chain, and here BEST is already a differentiating factor. Currently, each container that passes through the BEST terminal reduces emissions by almost 70% compared to a conventional terminal.”
Positive Environmental Impact
The implementation of this machine will avoid emissions equivalent to 260 tons of CO2e per year thanks to its efficiency and use electricity from 100% renewable sources. This significant reduction in the carbon footprint will benefit air quality in the Port of Barcelona.
Technical and Operational Characteristics
The RS of Sany model SRSC45E5 lifts up to 45 tonnes and stacks up to five containers through its telescopic arm. The BEST terminal uses the RS to handle containers in the area parallel to the railway terminal within the marine terminal, as well as in the Special Area facilitating the storage of both empty and full containers.
Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan
This initiative is part of BEST’s plan to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2040. The arrival of the new equipment, which took place at the end of August, marks an important milestone in this decarbonisation commitment. After a period of testing, the crane is now fully operational.
The next step will be the connection of the first container ship to 100% green electricity this September through the On Shore Power Supply (OPS) system, also being the first terminal in Southern Europe to offer this service to its customers.
The BEST terminal continues to lead the way towards decarbonisation in the port sector.
Source: Hutchison Ports BEST