Synopsis:
The Port of Rotterdam, in collaboration with Truckparkings Rotterdam Exploitatie, inaugurates the inaugural charging station for electric trucks at the Bodaanweg truck park. This significant step aligns with the goal of achieving CO2-neutral freight transport, promoting sustainability in road transport. The truck park, equipped with five charging points for up to eight electric trucks, emphasizes the focus on short-distance sustainability. In partnership with ABB E-mobility, Batenburg Techniek, KWS Infra, Stedin, and VARO Energy, the initiative is part of the Rijkswaterstaat Living Labs Heavy Duty Charging Stations program.
Article:
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable logistics, the Port of Rotterdam, in collaboration with Truckparkings Rotterdam Exploitatie (TRE), has unveiled the first-ever electric truck charging station at the Bodaanweg truck park in the Waalhaven. The initiative, a joint effort with ABB E-mobility, Batenburg Techniek, KWS Infra, Stedin, and VARO Energy, is a pivotal component of the Rijkswaterstaat Living Labs Heavy Duty Charging Stations program.
The charging station, featuring five charging points, can concurrently accommodate up to eight electric trucks. This strategic move aligns with the broader goal of making road transport more sustainable, a crucial step towards achieving CO2-neutral freight transport and fostering a cleaner living environment.
Research indicates that approximately 70% of container trips by road remain within the region, making electric trucks ideal for enhancing sustainability over these relatively short distances. To support this vision, TRE collaborated with the Port of Rotterdam Authority to establish the first five charging points, ensuring secure and comfortable truck parks with 24/7 surveillance.
Vincent Karremans, Alderman for Enforcement, Outdoor Space, and Mobility of the Municipality of Rotterdam, expresses enthusiasm for the initiative: "The more quiet, clean, and sustainable trucks driving around the city and port, the better. With this charging station, we are taking another great step forward in making the truck fleet more sustainable and making Rotterdam more liveable."
Boudewijn Siemons, interim CEO and COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, emphasizes the role of sustainable logistics in their future-proof port strategy with net-zero CO₂emissions. Providing charging infrastructure for trucks, he notes, contributes directly to better air quality in the port.
Director of TRE, Ton Barten, envisions smart scheduling for carriers, allowing them to charge trucks while drivers take mandatory rest breaks. This seamless transition to sustainable transport, without time loss, encourages carriers to invest in electric fleets.
A TNO study commissioned by the Port of Rotterdam Authority in January 2022 forecasts around 2,000 electric trucks in the port area by 2030, necessitating about 50 charging points. Companies like Innocent Drinks and Den Hartogh have already introduced 50-tonne electric trucks in Rotterdam, with DFDS placing an order for over 125 e-trucks in Europe in 2022.
Besides electrification, the initiative aligns with the broader shift towards sustainable transport, with hydrogen also emerging as a key player in this transformative journey.
Conclusion:
Rotterdam's unveiling of the first electric truck charging station marks a pivotal moment in the city's journey towards sustainable logistics. In collaboration with TRE, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is not only contributing to CO2-neutral freight transport but also enhancing the quality of life in the region. The strategic placement of charging points at the Bodaanweg truck park, coupled with 24/7 surveillance and comfortable facilities, underscores the commitment to making short-distance road transport more sustainable. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of achieving a future-proof port with net-zero CO₂ emissions, emphasizing the immediate impact on air quality in the port. As Rotterdam paves the way for sustainable transport, the partnership with ABB E-mobility, Batenburg Techniek, KWS Infra, Stedin, and VARO Energy sets the stage for a transformative shift in the trucking landscape. The forecasted increase in electric trucks in the port area by 2030 further solidifies the importance of charging infrastructure, making Rotterdam a beacon for sustainable and efficient freight transport.
