- The state-of-the-art Ship-to-Shore (STS) crane enhances the terminal’s capacity to handle large container vessels while incorporating energy-efficient systems that enable safer, more precise operations with a lower environmental impact.
- The €9.5 million investment forms part of CSP Spain’s ongoing investment plan in Bilbao. Over the past ten years, the company has invested more than €26 million in the terminal, underscoring its strong commitment to the Port of Bilbao and its long-term development.
Santurtzi, June 15, 2026 – CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal, the concessionaire of the container terminal at the Port of Bilbao, continues to advance its commitment to innovation and sustainability with the incorporation of a new state-of-the-art Super Post Panamax Ship-to-Shore (STS) crane. This equipment will significantly enhance the terminal’s operational capacity, increasing productivity and efficiency by integrating the latest technologies and features available for the loading and unloading of container vessels calling at Bilbao.
It is the largest quay crane on the Atlantic Arc and perfectly complements the two existing Super Post Panamax cranes already operating at the terminal. Its addition represents a significant leap forward in operational capacity, enabling more efficient handling of large container vessels, reducing port stay times, and further strengthening the logistics competitiveness of companies within the Port of Bilbao’s hinterland.
The purchase of the new quay crane from ZPMC, the world-leading manufacturer of port cranes, was formalized in October 2024, and the crane became operational in early June 2026.
Advanced Technology for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
The crane incorporates state-of-the-art systems designed to enhance safety and handling efficiency, enabling more precise and secure operations. This acquisition represents a significant step forward in both operational capacity and efficiency.
Its design incorporates advanced energy-efficiency solutions, helping to reduce environmental impact and supporting CSP Spain’s sustainability objectives. The new STS crane features cutting-edge technologies, including automation systems, handling assistance tools, operator stop-assistance functions, and an onboard camera network, all of which enable safer, more efficient, and highly precise cargo handling.
In addition, the crane’s next-generation operator cabin represents a significant improvement in ergonomics while substantially enhancing operator visibility, contributing to both safety and operational performance.
Among its most notable features are a 20-container outreach, a total lifting height of 56 metres, twin-lift handling capability of up to 65 tonnes (two fully loaded containers), and a lifting capacity of up to 83 tonnes under hook, enabling the handling of general cargo and oversized heavy-lift pieces.
The STS crane is also equipped with the latest high-efficiency control and power systems, including energy regeneration technology that feeds power back into the grid, helping to reduce the terminal’s carbon footprint and minimise its environmental impact.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Lehendakari of the Basque Government, Imanol Pradales, accompanied by the Basque Minister for Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Mikel Jauregi. Their presence underscored their support for the Port of Bilbao as a key logistics, commercial and industrial infrastructure for the internationalisation of the Basque economy, as well as for private investment initiatives such as the one undertaken by CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal.
They were joined by representatives of the Bilbao port community, including the President of the Port Authority of Bilbao, Iván Jiménez, as well as other institutional representatives such as the Deputy Government Delegate in the Basque Country, Carlos García Buendía, and the Deputy for Infrastructure and Territorial Development of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, Carlos Alzaga.
A Crane Opening New Business Opportunities for the Basque Country
CSP has invested €9.5 million in this new crane, as part of its ongoing investment programme in Bilbao. The final investment exceeded the original budget by more than 70%, as the crane’s dimensions were increased beyond the initial specifications to accommodate the larger vessels calling at the terminal.
During the inauguration, Juan Ortí, Vice President of CSP Spain, stated: “This new state-of-the-art Super Post Panamax Ship-to-Shore crane provides a competitive advantage for container traffic and strengthens our capacity to operate hub services at the Port of Bilbao.”
He also noted that “CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal has invested more than €26 million over the past ten years in upgrading its facilities and renewing its equipment fleet.”
The acquisition of the new crane is fully aligned with the investment roadmap established in 2016 for the modernisation of the terminal, following the extension of the concession period through to 2049.
Elvira Gallego, General Manager of CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal, highlighted that innovation and new technologies represent a major opportunity for the container shipping business. “We must integrate them to ensure the sustainability of our sector, as they not only enable us to make better use of all the resources at our disposal, such as the strategic location of the Port of Bilbao, but also strengthen our position as a genuine and competitive alternative to other European ports.”
For his part, Iván Jiménez, President of the Bilbao Port Authority, highlighted that “with this new crane, the Port of Bilbao strengthens its position in a traffic segment as strategic and economically significant as container handling. It allows us to make the most of our natural 21-metre draught for container vessels, accommodate larger ships and, at the same time, enhance our attractiveness for hub services operated by the major shipping lines.”
Jiménez also pointed out that, unlike many other European ports, Bilbao is not congested, giving it a significant opportunity to attract new cargo flows, expand into additional markets, and capture freight currently transported by road to Northern Europe. “Last December, through joint efforts, we were able to launch two new services with MSC: one to Canada and another to the west coast of South America. This new equipment will now create further opportunities that we intend to seize,” he added.
The Lehendakari, Imanol Pradales, emphasized that “the Port of Bilbao is an extension of our industrial base, and a strong port enhances the internationalisation and growth opportunities of Basque companies. The Port of Bilbao’s area of influence extends far beyond the Basque Country, while also helping to anchor businesses that operate through this gateway. Investments within the port, such as the one made to acquire this crane, are powerful drivers of both innovation and sustainability.”
Pradales further noted that “once again, we can see how the Port of Bilbao and its companies are aligned with the strategic plans of the Basque Government. All of this contributes to maintaining a dynamic sector that generates high-quality direct employment and supports a wide network of auxiliary companies.”
CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal: Intermodality and Connectivity with Europe
CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal is part of the COSCO SHIPPING Ports (Spain) Terminals group. Strategically located in northern Spain, it serves as a key link between Southern Europe and the major ports of Northern Europe. This new acquisition further strengthens the terminal’s capabilities, consolidating its position as the leading container terminal on the Atlantic Arc, supported by outstanding and efficient rail and road connections that facilitate trade across the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France
In 2025, the Port of Bilbao handled nearly 4.8 million tonnes of containerised cargo and approximately 424,000 TEUs. A TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) is the standard unit of measurement used in international trade and container shipping. One TEU corresponds to a 20-foot container (approximately six metres in length), while a 40-foot container is equivalent to 2 TEUs.
About CSP Spain and the CSPL Group
CSP Spain is part of one of the world’s largest and most globally connected port operators: COSCO SHIPPING Ports (CSPL). The group operates more than 46 container terminals worldwide and handles a global throughput exceeding 90 million TEUs annually.
CSP Spain’s commitment to technology and sustainability has remained a constant since its arrival in Spain in 1973, and this new STS crane is yet another example of its long-term vision. With this addition, CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal reaffirms its commitment to operational excellence, environmental protection, and its role as a strategic partner for the Bilbao logistics community and the wider European port sector.
