On June 9th, the Ensenada International Terminal (EIT) of Hutchison Ports Holdings welcomed a new quay crane and two yard cranes, all powered by electricity, aimed at boosting operational efficiency and cargo capacity at the terminal.
The three cranes arrived on Saturday, June 8th, aboard the BM Zhen Hua 29, which docked at the anchorage area of the port of Ensenada. The new super post panamax quay crane has a reach of 70 meters and a height of 48 meters under the spreader, enabling it to handle practically all container vessels operating in transpacific maritime commercial transport, as stated by Hutchison Ports in a press release.
“This increased capacity is crucial for improving efficiency in container loading and unloading, significantly reducing waiting and operational times,” explained Javier RodrÃguez, General Manager of EIT.
The two electric yard cranes, which are part of this upgrade, will facilitate the more efficient delivery and receipt of containers to and from land transport. These cranes are the first of their kind in Ensenada and are part of a fleet of electric equipment that includes internal electric trucks, introduced earlier in 2024.
“The incorporation of these yard cranes will optimize container movement within the terminal, improving productivity and reducing environmental impact,” stated RodrÃguez.
This infrastructure is part of Hutchison Port Holdings’ strategic plan to electrify all equipment at its terminals, significantly contributing to carbon emissions reduction and supporting its commitment to environmental sustainability. This sustainable approach aligns with Hutchison Ports’ NET Zero strategy, which encompasses physical expansion, technological modernization, and environmental sustainability.
“The arrival of these new electric cranes marks a significant milestone in our modernization and sustainability plan. Not only do they increase our operational capacity, but they also reinforce our commitment to emission reduction and energy efficiency,” stated Javier RodrÃguez.
Hutchison Ports initiated a commitment in 2021 to reduce absolute Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions of scope one and two by 54.6% by the year 2033. Additionally, by 2030, the goal is to achieve a 54.6% reduction in CO2 emissions from the 2021 baseline year, with the projection of reaching net zero GHG emissions across the value chain by 2050.
The new infrastructure adds to what EIT already has, with three cranes on the docks, totaling four electric cranes for ship handling. Additionally, the two new electric yard cranes join the Reach Stackers, forklifts, and internal electric trucks, advancing the plan for equipment electrification.
This complements the recent investment of 2.3 billion pesos for the expansion of the terminal at the Port of Ensenada. The project includes extending the pier by an additional 300 meters, improvements to the cargo yard, the construction of a wave deflector wall, and the addition of 432 container connections, totaling 720. Initiated in February 2023, this project will not only increase static capacity to over 7,500 TEUs but will also enhance existing facilities to handle a higher volume of operations more efficiently.
Hutchison Ports’ Multi-Purpose Terminal (TUM) in Ensenada primarily focuses on serving maritime operations for companies located in the northwest of Mexico, such as Tijuana, Mexicali, Tecate, San Luis RÃo Colorado, Hermosillo, Nogales, and even Ciudad Juárez, many of which have direct connections to the industrial market of Southern California and Texas.
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