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. 

The new machines are expected to result in CO2 emissions being reduced by up to 40% compared to diesel genset-electric drive machines, thanks to the use of the Kalmar regenerative energy system to charge the Li-ion battery pack, contributing to a substantial improvement in the terminal’s energy efficiency. 

Guillermo Belcastro, CEO of BEST, 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 [on-dock] rail terminal in the region and the electrification of the quays [for onshore power] in 2024, allows us to provide a unique proposition in the Mediterranean.”

The decarbonisation of the shuttle carrier fleet 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.”