On February 29, 2024, PSA Sines, the terminal operator in Portugal, marked a significant leap into full automation with the introduction of six state-of-the-art, fully automated Rubber Tired Gantry Cranes (aRTGs). This addition to the existing fleet of twenty-nine yard cranes is a pivotal move for PSA Sines, poised to enhance operational efficiency, elevate safety standards, and advance the terminal’s ambitious sustainability targets. Set to be operational by the end of the second quarter of 2024, the new aRTGs will undergo thorough on-site testing and commissioning in the coming weeks as part of Stage One in PSA Sines’s Phase III expansion project.
The transition from diesel to electric-powered equipment not only underscores PSA Sines’ commitment to environmental sustainability but also reinforces its standing as a leading port in the Iberian Peninsula. This shift aligns with the company’s broader goal of reducing carbon emissions by half by 2030 and achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2050. The recent additions, including two ship-to-shore quay cranes and the acquisition of 12 new prime movers, are integral components of the EUR 412 million Phase III expansion project. Upon its completion in 2030, PSA Sines anticipates almost doubling its annual handling capacity from 2.7 million TEUs to 4.2 million TEUs, solidifying its position as a key player in the regional port landscape. Since initiating upgrade works in 2000, PSA Sines has invested over EUR 370 million to modernize its facility.