It was a historic day for the Port of Genoa and PSA Italy’s SECH terminal, as two new ship-to-shore cranes built by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited (ZPMC) arrived aboard the vessel Zhen HUA 23. The cranes are the result of a strategic investment set to shape the terminal’s future. 

Departing from the Changxing Base shipyards in December 2025, the cranes were designed to meet the specific operational needs of the SECH terminal, incorporating cutting-edge technology. They also symbolize over thirty years of history and continuous growth. 

«This is a landmark moment: these new quay cranes not only bring forward our investment plan through 2047 but also strengthen SECH’s position as a historic terminal in Genoa, second only to PSA Genova Pra’ in size, importance, and container handling capacity -  said Roberto Ferrari, CEO of PSA Italy – These state-of-the-art cranes were engineered with advanced technology and tailored specifically to fit the terminal’s infrastructure. Their iconic blue color, which has defined the port skyline for over thirty years, reflects our history and connection to the city. This investment highlights PSA’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence.» 

With an investment exceeding €20 million, SECH is reinforcing both its capabilities and the quality of services offered to customers, while prioritizing sustainability, technological innovation, and workplace safety. The new cranes reach 125 meters in height—25 meters taller than their predecessors—and their outreach has increased from 50 to 60 meters. Each crane can now handle up to 65 tons in twin-lift mode, compared to 45 tons previously, with a lifting height from the ground of 48 meters. 

«SECH has a strong operational heritage spanning more than thirty years - Ferrari added. – These cranes were custom-built to integrate seamlessly with our existing infrastructure, optimizing terminal operations through a fully tailored design.» 

During development, PSA SECH’s engineering team combined innovation, strength, and precision. The cranes feature advanced technologies such as OCR-based container identification, digital tracking of trucks during vessel unloading, and vessel profile scanning, boosting both productivity and safety in daily operations. 

Unloading the cranes will take approximately one week, followed by installation works, with full operational capacity expected from June 2026. 

These new ship-to-shore cranes mark a key milestone in SECH’s modernization journey, first announced in 2023 during the terminal’s 30th-anniversary celebrations. They also reinforce PSA’s commitment to strengthening Genoa as a strategic Mediterranean hub, equipped to handle next-generation vessels. More than technical achievements, this event highlights a terminal that continues to grow and look confidently toward the future.