The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of the world’s most complex logistics hubs, testing future solutions for years – from drones and unmanned ships to remotely controlled vehicles. Now, Belgium’s first level 4 autonomous truck has been added to the list of innovations, presented by Einride.
The vehicle, lacking a driver’s cab, navigated public roads using a set of radars, lidars, and cameras, providing a full 360-degree view of its surroundings. With a digital control tower based on artificial intelligence, a single operator can supervise several vehicles simultaneously, opening new possibilities for safer and more efficient transport.
Quotes guiding the way
Autonomous solutions are already making us smarter, safer, and more sustainable today. This is exactly what we need to further strengthen our role as a global port of significance. We want to be a gateway not only for goods but also for the future,” emphasized Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Meanwhile, Jean-Luc Crucke, Minister of Mobility, Climate and Environmental Transformation, pointed out that “the approval of the first level 4 autonomous truck in Belgium is a step towards safer transport and proof that our country can play a pioneering role in the mobility of tomorrow.”
Einride – a global pioneer
Einride has previously deployed its autonomous vehicles in Sweden and the United States. Thanks to years of data collection, the company has a unique foundation for scaling its technology. Today, Einride’s fleet of electric and autonomous vehicles serves customers in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
In Antwerp, we demonstrate how the public and private sectors can collaborate for shared goals. European ports, like Antwerp-Bruges, are crucial for decarbonizing logistics and ensuring the security of supply chains,” noted Henrik Green, CTO of Einride.
Port as a catalyst for Europe
The “Port of the Future – Autonomous Summit” initiative aimed not only at local implementation of new technologies but also at building a European ecosystem of autonomous mobility. With the collaboration of businesses, regulators, and the scientific community, Antwerp becomes a testing ground for solutions that may be implemented widely across the European Union in the future.
And in the UK? Felixstowe also tests autonomy
Similar ambitions are being pursued at the port of Felixstowe – the largest container hub in the UK. There, autonomous truck tests are also being conducted in port traffic. The aim is to reduce transshipment time, lower operating costs, and improve work safety by minimizing human exposure to repetitive and risky tasks.
