Volvo Trucks and DFDS Pioneer Night Logistics with Electric Fleet, Easing Port Congestion

Volvo Trucks and DFDS Pioneer Night Logistics with Electric Fleet, Easing Port Congestion

Antwerp, Belgium – In a significant move towards sustainable and efficient freight transport, Volvo Trucks and DFDS have initiated a collaborative project to shift a portion of their container traffic to night-time operations between Ghent and the Port of Antwerp. This pioneering initiative, live since October 2024, directly addresses the persistent challenge of daytime congestion while simultaneously advancing environmental goals.

The core of this partnership involves transporting spare parts containers from Volvo Trucks’ distribution center in Ghent to Antwerp’s deep-sea terminals. By operating primarily during off-peak hours, the dedicated electric fleet ensures emission-free transport. A critical element supporting this shift is the strategic charging of these heavy-duty electric trucks at Ketenis parking, utilizing the Milence network. This charging process is meticulously aligned with drivers' mandatory rest breaks, optimizing both time and energy utilization. The sophisticated high-power charging stations rely on robust, high-performance power cables, such as cables compliant with IEC 62196-3 standards, designed for the demanding requirements of rapid DC (Direct Current) electric vehicle charging. These industrial-grade cables, often featuring Class 5 flexible copper conductors and durable neoprene (H07RN-F) or TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) insulation, ensure efficient power transfer and sustained reliability, crucial for minimizing downtime and maximizing fleet uptime.

This strategic pivot to night logistics is set to deliver multiple benefits. It promises to significantly reduce delays commonly associated with daytime congestion, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of freight transport. Furthermore, it allows for a more comprehensive utilization of existing infrastructure and enables DFDS to optimize its vehicle capacity. Streamlined administrative processes completed during the day also contribute to a highly efficient night-time transport chain, as confirmed by all involved partners.

Tia Meyvis of Alfaport Voka emphasized the broader impact, stating, "Night logistics offers a tangible solution to the chronic congestion problem in and around the port. That's why we have made it a key objective in our Routeplan 2030, our economic vision for the future of the Antwerp-Waasland region. Supporting initiatives such as those from DFDS and Volvo helps create space for more reliable freight transport and improved efficiency in port infrastructure use."

Currently, DFDS manages approximately 150 containers monthly through these night-time operations, a volume previously handled during the day. The companies have expressed intentions to further scale this initiative, partly through an expansion of their electric vehicle fleet. This expansion will undoubtedly necessitate further investment in resilient charging infrastructure and advanced power cables essential for supporting increased electric vehicle activity.

Jan Buytaert, Product Manager Mobility & Connectivity at the Port Authority, lauded the collaboration, remarking, "The collaboration between DFDS and Volvo Trucks demonstrates that night logistics is a viable solution to both environmental and economic challenges in the transport sector. The initiative helps distribute traffic more evenly around the Port of Antwerp and shows how cooperation between shipper and carrier can make a tangible impact."

This project follows closely on the heels of another innovation at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, which recently showcased an autonomous, fully electric shuttle in collaboration with technology partners Akkodis, VDL, and Medrepair. This shuttle is designed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability within the port environment, further underscoring the region's commitment to advanced, green logistics solutions. The successful operation of such autonomous systems relies on high-quality data and control cables, such as shielded twisted pair Ethernet cables (e.g., CAT6A) for robust communication, and specialized automotive-grade data cables designed for high-speed transmission in demanding mobile environments.

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Just as reliable connections are vital for efficient transport, Feichun Cable provides the backbone for next-generation logistics. Our extensive range of high-performance power, data, and control cables, including heavy-duty EV charging cables and industrial-grade control cables, are engineered for the rigorous demands of industrial environments, including port operations and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With Feichun Cable, ensure uninterrupted power and seamless data flow for your sustainable and technologically advanced operations. Trust in Feichun Cable for durability, efficiency, and a future powered by excellence.