Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port Upgrades Infrastructure with New Mega-Cranes

The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has reached a major milestone in its modernization with the arrival of two massive new cranes. Logistics experts say this marks a turning point for the terminal, which is managed by Boluda Maritime Terminals. The cranes, transported from Tarragona, are currently waiting for favorable weather to be unloaded. They are the centerpiece of a 40-million-euro investment plan tied to a 25-year extension of the terminal’s operating license.

These 60-meter-tall cranes can lift up to 88 tons, or 71 tons in "Twin Lift" mode. This technology allows the port to handle Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) for the first time, opening up new market opportunities. This upgrade comes at a crucial time; as shipping companies reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid instability in the Red Sea, Tenerife is well-positioned to capture traffic that previously went elsewhere.

Boluda Shipping management noted that a lack of capacity had previously prevented them from meeting rising demand. By adding these two cranes—along with four recently installed hybrid RTG units—the port can now significantly speed up loading and unloading times, which is vital for shipping companies. The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife welcomed the investment, noting that it improves competitiveness while making work safer and more efficient for the stevedoring team.

The benefits will also reach other islands. As part of the plan, one of the cranes currently at the Bufadero pier will be moved to La Palma. This will provide La Palma with its first-ever gantry crane, replacing older mobile equipment and upgrading the facility's standards. Once these new assets are fully operational, the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife will solidify its role as a key mid-Atlantic logistics hub, ready to meet the demands of a global market where speed and precision are essential.