Rotterdam considers e-trucks for container transport

In attempts of a more sustainable environment, the port of Rotterdam Authority along with Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN) have begun an exploratory study to get a better insight into turning the container transport by road more sustainable in the port area.

As the port aims to be CO2-neutral by 2050, according to its three steps towards CO2-neutrality, the possibility of buying a battery-electric truck is an attractive proposition to be achieved by 2024. From that year, the E-truck will be cheaper across its whole service life, in comparison to a diesel truck.

Moreover, taking a leap towards neutrality, the port focuses on energy transition in the industry and in the port's logistics sector, as the transport across the port area.

Yet, for the time being, the container transport that is being conducted by road is the centre of attention; Even focusing on short journeys, less than 30 kilometres, some 12,000 take place across the port every day. If the plan is establish and these journeys become emission-free, this could save around half a megaton in CO₂.

To achieve the emission-free truck plan, Port of Rotterdam Authority collaborates with Deltalinqs, TLN, and evofenedex, to make sure that short-distance, port-related journeys by road are emission-free by 2040.

However, the port reports that to accomplish these goals, there are many things that have to be changed; In light of technological developments, which see a great growth these days, the absence of electric trucks for container transport could be over.

"It is expected that electric trucks will eventually become the optimal form of transport across many distances. This demands the availability and optimised use of a good charging infrastructure."

Concluding, opting for electric trucks prevents CO2 emissions that usually are generated from the engine, as well as they provide noise reduction that is usually the result from freight traffic.