Hutchison Ports says the latest order builds on the successful use of autonomous trucks in mixed-traffic container terminal operations at Felixstowe — a deployment the port describes as the first of its kind in Europe.
The battery-electric trucks operate inside the terminal, moving containers between quay cranes, yard areas and other parts of the port. Their expansion marks another step in Felixstowe’s automation programme, as the UK’s largest container port looks to increase consistency, cut emissions and support future terminal capacity.
Third batch completes 100-unit fleet
The latest order follows earlier phases of deployment with Westwell. Felixstowe and the Chinese technology company first announced an agreement for 100 battery-powered autonomous Q-Trucks in 2023, after a tender process and on-site testing.
A further 34 autonomous trucks were ordered in 2025, doubling the fleet at the time. The newly confirmed third batch will now take the number of autonomous trucks at the port to 100.
According to the port, the trucks are being introduced into a live terminal environment where they operate alongside conventional vehicles and equipment, rather than in a fully separated automated zone. This mixed-traffic model is one of the reasons the deployment is being watched closely by the wider ports and logistics industry.
New sensors and second battery-swapping station
The next batch will include upgraded sensor and perception systems, including 128-line LiDAR and advanced camera technology. The port says this will give the vehicles a more detailed understanding of their surroundings and support safe and reliable operation in a busy terminal environment.
Felixstowe is also adding a second automated battery-swapping station. The existing station can replace a truck battery in around five to six minutes, allowing the vehicles to remain in operation with limited downtime.
The trucks are supported by the port’s private 5G network, which provides real-time connectivity between the autonomous vehicles, control systems and terminal infrastructure. This is intended to help coordinate autonomous and conventionally operated equipment across the terminal.
Electric trucks tied to net-zero target
The autonomous trucks are fully electric. Felixstowe says it has used only certified renewable electricity since April 2023, meaning the vehicles form part of a broader decarbonisation programme at Hutchison Ports UK.
The group is targeting net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035. In addition to autonomous trucks, Felixstowe has previously pointed to battery-powered conventional tractor units, changes to yard cranes and renewable electricity procurement as part of that strategy.
While the announcement is mainly about terminal operations rather than road haulage, it is still relevant for container supply chains. Faster and more consistent internal port movements can affect quay productivity, yard flows and the speed at which containers move between ships, storage areas and onward transport.
