Port of Antwerp-Bruges — 2023-11-22
Members Corner
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 parking lots. Milence is currently developing the largest public charging network for electric trucks in Europe. The intention is to open the charging stations in the Antwerp port area in May 2024. This involves a total of 30 charging stations. This number will be further expanded in a second development phase .
The 2 charging stations will initially be equipped with 15 powerful CCS chargers (Combined Charging System) with a charging capacity of more than 400kW. Milence also plans a rapid transition to Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology as soon as it becomes available.
Milence is developing its network with a focus on creating green road transport corridors that connect key logistics loading points, major ports and airports. With more than 300 maritime lines and 800 destinations, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second largest port in Europe and a truly world port that plays a key role in international connections.
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 soothing environment for the drivers.
The comfort and safety of the drivers are also an important concern for Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The port authority opened a second truck parking lot in March 2023. Both car parks are fenced, illuminated and equipped with camera surveillance, WiFi and sanitary facilities. Snacks and drinks are available from vending machines.
Through the transition to a circular economy and major investments in 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 activities, including the new charging site from Milence.
Through this collaboration, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Milence aim to reduce one of the main obstacles for transport companies when switching to electric trucks. 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 this is the beginning of a new era in sustainable transport. The development of a charging site with 30 charging points for trucks reflects our strong belief that electrification is the clear solution for heavy 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 parking lots in the port of Antwerp, 'Goordijk' and 'Ketenis', will each be equipped by Milence with 15 chargers with high capacity 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 remains 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 sustainable - and in this case, the more electrically - this engine runs, the better!"