APM Terminals Barcelona in Spain has increased reefer capacity by 31% and improved the electrical capacity of the terminal.

The latest move has led to a 600t/year reduction in CO2 emissions and is aimed at addressing the rapidly growing customer demand.

APM has added another 152 reefer plugs at the terminal, increasing the total to 677.

With the new racks, reefers can be stacked up to four containers high. Modern design improves safety for employees to perform repairs and maintenance.

APM connected the new reefer racks to the central power supply, which has been increased by making an investment in another indoor substation.

Due to this, over-capacity reefers do not rely on diesel gensets.

By connecting to the electricity supply network, localised pollution in the terminal environment will also be reduced.

“The latest move has led to a 600t/year reduction in CO2 emissions and is aimed at addressing the rapidly growing customer demand.”

APM is also working with LNG services provider HAM, technology provider IDIADA and Naturgy Iberia under a wide programme for alternative fuel use in the Port of Barcelona.

Scheduled in October, the company is collaborating on a pilot to convert an existing straddle carrier to natural gas, which burns a lot more cleanly compared to diesel.

Two 150kW diesel-based motor engines of the straddle carrier are currently being converted to natural gas while maintaining the same level of performance.

With a capacity of 1.6 million twenty-foot equivalent units a year, APM uses the latest wireless network to provide real-time data on all details of a container’s itinerary.