DM Transport has reached a significant milestone in its fleet electrification efforts with the deployment of its first heavy-duty battery-electric truck within the Port of Rotterdam.
Purchased and funded by DM Transport, the Volvo FH Electric will support container-shunting operations at QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam (QTKR), serving customers including Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd. (ONE).
To recognise its close working relationship with ONE, DM Transport has chosen to wrap the vehicle in ONE’s distinctive livery.
Building on lower emission operations
For more than a year, DM Transport, ONE and QTKR have worked together to reduce emissions from local port-shunting operations through an ongoing HVO100 biofuel scheme. The introduction of the e-truck marks the next step in DM Transport’s move towards lower-emission container transport.
By combining the established use of HVO100 with this initial e-truck deployment and plans for introducing further electric vehicles, the three companies are creating a scalable approach to lowering emissions from port-shunting operations.
The new truck will allow DM Transport to gain practical experience of battery-electric heavy transport in demanding day-to-day conditions. This includes range, charging, scheduling and performance.
Max Van Stek, Managing Director of DM Transport, said, “Investing in our first Volvo FH Electric is an important milestone for DM Transport. It is the next stage in our efforts to reduce emissions from port transport.
“For more than a year, we have worked with ONE and QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam through the HVO100 scheme. Introducing an electric truck builds on that progress. It gives us valuable experience of operating battery-electric heavy transport in a busy port environment.
“We are proud to see the vehicle carrying ONE’s distinctive colours. The livery reflects a valued customer relationship. Meanwhile, the truck itself makes our commitment to lower-emission port transport visible on the road.”
Putting electric transport to the test
The Volvo FH Electric will produce no tailpipe emissions while operating. Its quieter electric driveline will also reduce noise for the driver and for people working in and around the port.
QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam will facilitate the truck’s operation at its depot, where DM Transport provides transport and shunting services. Its role will help DM Transport integrate the vehicle into regular operations and assess how electric trucks can be deployed effectively in a working port environment.
Fred Groenendijk, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam, said, “We welcome DM Transport’s investment and look forward to seeing the new electric truck operating at our facilities. Port shunting is a critical part of the container supply chain. Reducing its emissions requires practical action and close cooperation between transport providers, depot operators and customers.
“Following the progress made through the HVO100 scheme, this deployment represents another positive step towards lower-emission operations within the Port of Rotterdam.”
Collaboration across the container supply chain
The initiative builds on the existing collaboration between DM Transport, QTKR and ONE through the HVO100 scheme. It provides an opportunity to explore battery-electric transport alongside the continued use of lower-carbon fuel.
Frida Thorborg, Manager of the Green Strategy Department for the EUA Region at Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd., said, “We congratulate DM Transport on this significant investment. The introduction of its first electric truck builds on the progress we have already made together through the HVO100 scheme. It creates another opportunity to reduce emissions from our local logistics activities.
“We appreciate that DM Transport has chosen to brand the vehicle in ONE’s corporate colour. This reflects a shared commitment amongst partners to lower-emission operations and represents a step forward for port transport in Rotterdam.”
Preparing for further fleet electrification
By focusing on port shunting, a critical link in the container supply chain, the collaboration demonstrates how established lower-carbon fuels and emerging electric technologies can be used together to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions from local operations.
DM Transport will monitor the vehicle’s performance as it develops its plans for further fleet electrification. The experience gained will help inform the future introduction of additional electric vehicles and support the longer-term development of lower-emission port-shunting operations.
