DM Transport has deployed its first heavy-duty battery-electric truck within the Port of Rotterdam.
The company purchased and funded the Volvo FH Electric. It will support container-shunting operations at QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam (QTKR).
The truck will serve customers including Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd. (ONE).
Moreover, DM Transport has wrapped the vehicle in ONE’s distinctive livery. The design reflects the close working relationship between the two companies.
DM Transport, ONE and QTKR have worked together for more than a year to reduce emissions from local port-shunting operations.
Their ongoing scheme uses HVO100 biofuel. The electric truck now marks the next stage of DM Transport’s lower-emission transport strategy.
The companies plan to combine HVO100 with battery-electric vehicles. DM Transport also intends to introduce more electric trucks in the future.
“Investing in our first Volvo FH Electric is an important milestone for DM Transport,” said Max Van Stek, Managing Director, DM Transport.
“For more than a year, we have worked with ONE and QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam through the HVO100 scheme,” added Van Stek.
“Introducing an electric truck builds on that progress and gives us valuable experience of operating battery-electric heavy transport in a busy port environment,” he continued.
DM Transport will use the truck to gain practical experience under demanding daily operating conditions.
The company will assess its range, charging requirements, scheduling and performance. Therefore, the deployment will help guide its future fleet electrification plans.
The Volvo FH Electric will produce no tailpipe emissions during operation. In addition, its quieter electric driveline will reduce noise for the driver and other port workers.
“We are proud to see the vehicle carrying ONE’s distinctive colours,” said Van Stek.
“The livery reflects a valued customer relationship, while the truck itself makes our commitment to lower-emission port transport visible on the road,” he added.
QTKR will facilitate the truck’s operation at its depot. DM Transport already provides transport and shunting services at the facility.
QTKR will also help integrate the vehicle into regular operations. This work will show how electric trucks perform within an active port environment.
“We welcome DM Transport’s investment and look forward to seeing the new electric truck operating at our facilities,” said Fred Groenendijk, Chief Commercial Officer, QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam.
“Port shunting is a critical part of the container supply chain, and reducing its emissions requires practical action and close cooperation,” added Groenendijk.
According to Groenendijk, the deployment represents another step towards lower-emission operations at the Port of Rotterdam.
ONE has supported the initiative through its existing collaboration with DM Transport and QTKR.
“We congratulate DM Transport on this significant investment,” said Frida Thorborg, Manager, Green Strategy Department for the EUA Region, Ocean Network Express (Europe).
“The introduction of its first electric truck builds on the progress we have already made together through the HVO100 scheme,” added Thorborg.
According to Thorborg, the investment provides another opportunity to reduce emissions from ONE’s local logistics activities.
“We appreciate that DM Transport has chosen to brand the vehicle in ONE’s corporate colour,” she said.
“This reflects a shared commitment amongst partners to lower-emission operations and represents a step forward for port transport in Rotterdam,” concluded Thorborg.
DM Transport will monitor the Volvo FH Electric’s performance during regular operations.
The company will use this experience to plan the introduction of additional electric vehicles. It will also support the longer-term development of lower-emission port-shunting operations.
