Photo: Kelly Alexandre
The Port of Rotterdam Authority, in collaboration with Truckparkings Rotterdam Exploitatie (TRE), has inaugurated the inaugural electric truck charging station at the Bodaanweg truck park in Waalhaven.As part of the initiative, five charging points have been strategically placed, allowing up to eight electric trucks to charge simultaneously. The location, known for its 24/7 surveillance, prioritizes safety and comfort, making it an ideal hub for sustainable transport in the region.
Electric trucks are hailed as the solution for short-distance container trips, with approximately 70% of such journeys occurring within the local region. The absence of a parking fee and unrestricted access to the secure truck park aim to incentivize e-truck adoption.
Key collaborators in the project include ABB E-mobility, Batenburg Techniek, KWS Infra, Stedin, and VARO Energy, the latter managing the charging infrastructure for TRE. The initiative aligns with the Rijkswaterstaat Living Labs Heavy Duty Charging Stations program, reflecting a commitment to exploring sustainable solutions.
Vincent Karremans, Alderman for Enforcement, Outdoor Space, and Mobility of the Municipality of Rotterdam, expressed optimism, stating, “The more quiet, clean, and sustainable trucks driving around the city and port, the better.”
Boudewijn Siemons, interim CEO and COO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, emphasized the role of sustainable logistics in their strategy for a net-zero CO2 emissions port. Siemons noted, “Providing charging infrastructure for trucks can make the transport sector more sustainable. Electric cargo transport also contributes directly to better air quality in the port.”
The director of TRE, Ton Barten, highlighted the smart scheduling possibilities the charging station offers carriers. “A comfortable, safe, and easy switch to sustainable transport without any loss of time,” Barten explained, emphasizing the potential for carriers to invest in an electric fleet.
The move towards electric trucks aligns with a TNO study commissioned by the Port of Rotterdam Authority in January 2022, projecting around 2,000 electric trucks in the port area by 2030. This estimate underscores the need for approximately 50 charging points, emphasizing the growing importance of charging infrastructure in promoting sustainable transport.
