Boluda Shipping yesterday celebrated the completion of the modernisation and expansion of the operational capabilities of its BMT La Palma container terminal, a project that will contribute to boosting the island’s logistics and port development.
This milestone marks a double celebration: on the one hand, the incorporation of the first STS crane to operate in the port and, on the other, the renewal of the terminal concession granted to Boluda Maritime Terminals.
The event was attended by Vicente Boluda Fos, President of Boluda Corporación Marítima; Ignacio Boluda Ceballos, President of Boluda Shipping; as well as members of the company’s senior management team, including Antonio Bordils, CEO of Boluda Corporación Marítima, and Javier Climent, General Manager of Boluda Shipping.
Institutional representatives included Pedro Suárez, President of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife; Sergio Rodríguez, President of the Cabildo of La Palma; Asier Antona, Mayor of Santa Cruz de La Palma; and Héctor Izquierdo, representative of the Office of the Special Commissioner for the Reconstruction of La Palma.
The event was opened by Juan Carlos Díaz, a renowned communications professional in the maritime-port sector, who served as master of ceremonies.
During his speech, Vicente Boluda Fos, President of Boluda Corporación Marítima, highlighted that: “The Canary Islands have been part of Boluda’s history for decades. Many years of shared work alongside companies, institutions and professionals who have placed their trust in us, allowing us to build a strong and lasting relationship. This new crane is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to the future and our determination to continue growing together with La Palma.”
For his part, Ignacio Boluda Ceballos, President of Boluda Shipping, stated: “At Boluda Shipping, we are proud to actively contribute to the modernisation of infrastructure that is essential for the island’s connectivity and economy. The incorporation of the new crane means a container terminal that is better prepared for the future. Its dimensions and capabilities will enable the terminal to handle larger container vessels while optimising operations in a context of growing container traffic at the port.”
Pedro Suárez, President of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, stressed that “the modernisation of port facilities is essential to ensure increasingly efficient, safe and well-prepared infrastructures capable of meeting maritime traffic demands” and thanked Boluda for “its commitment to continuing to invest in the port, thereby strengthening a strategic infrastructure for the connectivity and supply of La Palma.”
Likewise, Sergio Rodríguez, President of the Cabildo of La Palma, highlighted “the island government’s commitment to working hand in hand with the island’s logistics companies. This shared effort is greatly reinforced and supported by Boluda Maritime Terminals’ strong commitment to the Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma.”
Asier Antona, Mayor of Santa Cruz de La Palma, underlined that “the City Council highly values the commitment of companies such as Boluda to continue investing in our island, because improving our logistics capacity and connections also creates new opportunities for economic activity and growth in La Palma.”
The event brought together a broad representation of Boluda Shipping customers and the main stakeholders of the Canary Islands port community.
The new Panamax-type STS crane has a lifting capacity of up to 40 tonnes, a seaward outreach of 38.7 metres and an operating height of 27 metres above the quay. These features will enable the terminal to handle larger container vessels and optimise loading and unloading operations.
The crane has also undergone an extensive technological upgrade, including a new operator cabin, upgraded braking systems, electronic weighing equipment and LED lighting, along with other improvements aimed at increasing safety, reliability and operational efficiency.
Boluda’s presence in the Canary Islands dates back to 1994. Since then, the company has built a close relationship with the archipelago’s business, institutional and port communities. In La Palma, this commitment is reflected both in the continuity of its operations and in the continuous improvement of the infrastructure and equipment available to customers, operators and professionals linked to port activity.
With this investment, Boluda Shipping reaffirms its commitment to the economic and logistics development of La Palma, helping to strengthen its maritime connectivity and create new opportunities for growth across the island.
