Primeur: First test drive of e-truck with container load

23 November 2023 - PSA Belgium and Daimler Truck BeLux deliver a Belgian first. For the first time, the electrically powered Mercedes-Benz eActros300 truck will transport containers on public roads. "Transporting containers between our terminals is a daily reality," points out Cameron Thorpe, CEO of PSA Belgium. "At PSA Belgium, we’re serious about reducing all of our carbon emissions and the greening of this transport is an important factor. This test drive is therefore an important step on the learning journey for all the parties involved and PSA Belgium is delighted to be the chosen partner for this real-world test." During the week of 20 November, several test transports with the battery-electric truck will take place between PSA Belgium’s Noordzee and Europa Terminals, MPET Terminal, the PSA Breakbulk terminals and also PSA’s terminal in Zeebrugge.

In alignment with the UN Paris Climate Agreement, the EU Green Deal and the PSA Group's ambitions, PSA Belgium, MPET, and ATS have committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to a 2019 baseline, with the ultimate goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. "We fully recognize that we still have a long way to go, but we are committed to meeting these targets," confirms Cameron Thorpe.

To attain these goals, a multitude of actions are currently underway. Notably, the 'Green Straddle Carrier' Programme spearheaded by PSA, MPET, and ATS involves comprehensive testing of key technologies to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of straddle carriers, often referred to as 'elephants,' in their real operating environments. But the efforts do not stop there. The sustainability of transport between the various PSA sites (North Sea Terminal, Europa Terminal, MPET, PSA Breakbulk and PSA Zeebrugge), is also being investigated, with the trial runs with Daimler Truck's electric vehicle being a prime example.

Cameron Thorpe emphasized the pivotal role of evaluating this test drive in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of truck transport across terminals, "This not only aligns seamlessly with our environmental objectives, but also our Port+ service offering to customers seeking low-carbon logistics solutions", says Thorpe. "Through this initiative, we aim to gain valuable insights into the specific equipment requirements for this type of container transport. Additionally, our partner Daimler Truck BeLux, will also get experience of real-world operations for electric trucks with containers across varying distances.”

"For its part, Daimler Truck is proud of the cooperation with PSA, which already began last year," said Peter Brock, CEO Daimler Truck BeLux. "As a leading truck manufacturer, Daimler Truck is tirelessly committed to making significant contributions to reducing CO2 emissions in line with European targets. For example, we aim for 60% of all trucks sold in Europe to be electric vehicles by 2030. In line with this commitment to sustainability, Daimler Truck not only provides trucks, but also total solutions that assist customers in all relevant steps of the transition to CO2-neutral transport.  We look forward to further developing our cooperation with PSA and together taking the lead in creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future."