BEST takes another step towards achieving its decarbonisation goals
New hybrid equipment arrives at Hutchison Ports BEST terminal.
This past weekend, 6 new hybrid cranes arrived at Hutchison Ports group’s BEST terminal. These Shuttle Carriers are key to the terminal’s operations, as they are used for moving containers between the different areas of the facilities.
BEST terminal is primarily powered by electricity, which comes exclusively from certified renewable sources. The only equipment in the terminal still powered by fossil fuels are the Shuttle Carriers.
With the arrival of this new equipment, CO2 emissions will be reduced by up to 40% thanks to the use of a highly efficient regenerative energy system, contributing to a substantial improvement in the terminal’s energy efficiency. In this manner, BEST reaffirms its position as one of the most environmentally sustainable facilities in Europe.
Guillermo Belcastro, CEO of the company, said: “We are very proud to continue to take steps with this investment to reach our decarbonisation goals. Currently, each container passing through BEST saves 65% in emissions compared to a conventional terminal. This feature together with the largest rail terminal in the region and the electrification of the quays in 2024, allows us to provide a unique proposition in the Mediterranean.”
The decarbonisation of Shuttle Carrier equipment is part of a wide range of initiatives by the Hutchison Ports Group in Barcelona to minimise its carbon footprint, such as the installation of solar panels, the electrification of the fleet of vehicles and the electrification of the quays, among others.
Among these initiatives is the commitment to promote green corridors between maritime and land transport, encouraging the use of rail and promoting the creation of inland terminals. Over the last decade, BEST has experienced a jump in rail traffic from 3% to 20%, reaching the ratios of the large ports of Northern Europe.
Belcastro added: “Every day we work towards being the preferred partner for a sustainable supply chain.