Milence and Port of Antwerp-Bruges to develop 30 charging points for heavy vehicles
Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and the TRATON GROUP, has been selected by Port of Antwerp-Bruges to build two modern charging stations at the ‘Goordijk’ and ‘Ketenis’ truck parks. Milence is currently developing the largest public charging network for electric trucks in Europe. The aim is to open the charging stations in the Antwerp port area in May 2024. It concerns a total of 30 charging stations. This number will be further increased in a second phase of development.
The 2 charging stations will initially be equipped with 15 powerful CCS (Combined Charging System) chargers with a charging capacity of more than 400kW. Milence is also planning a rapid transition to the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology as soon as it becomes available.
Strategic location on green corridor
Milence is developing its network with a focus on creating green road transport corridors that connect key logistics charging points, major ports and airports. With more than 300 maritime routes and 800 destinations, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second largest port in Europe and a truly global port that plays a key role in international connections.
Equipping and loading
Milence accelerates the transition to electric transport by developing a reliable and safe charging network for electric trucks. Milence focuses on a holistic rest and recharge experience that not only powers the vehicles, but also creates a calming environment for the drivers.
The comfort and safety of the drivers are also an important concern for Port of Antwerp-Bruges. In March 2023, the Port Authority opened a second truck park. Both car parks are fenced, lit and equipped with CCTV, Wi-Fi and sanitary facilities. Snacks and drinks are available from vending machines.
Carbon neutral goal
Through the transition to a circular economy and major investments in the energy transition, Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to become carbon neutral by 2050. The port already produces a large amount of renewable energy locally with solar panels and wind turbines, which are used for daily operations, including Milence’s new charging site.
Through this partnership, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Milence aim to reduce one of the main obstacles for transport companies in the switch to electric trucks. The Flemish Ministry of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) awarded a subsidy for this project.
Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence: “I am very pleased with this agreement between Milence and Port of Antwerp-Bruges, because I believe it is the beginning of a new era in sustainable transport. The development of a charging site with 30 truck charging points reflects our strong belief that electrification is the clear solution for heavy-duty road transport, and underlines our commitment to the future of green logistics and clean energy.”
Annick De Ridder, Alderman of the City of Antwerp and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “Our two truck parks in the port of Antwerp, ‘Goordijk’ and ‘Ketenis’, will each be equipped by Milence with 15 high-capacity chargers for electric trucks. This makes these truck parks an indispensable link in electric truck transport. At the same time, this removes an important barrier for domestic and foreign transporters to switch to electric trucks. Road transport is and will remain important for our port, for the fast and timely delivery of very specific products and for the ‘last mile’. Our port is the economic engine of Flanders. The more sustainably – and in this case, the more electric – this motor runs, the better!”
Original article HERE
Image source: portofantwerpbruges.com