Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP, and Volvo Group, has inaugurated its largest charging hub to date in the port of Antwerp-Bruges. This strategically located hub at truck parking Ketenis signifies a major leap towards electrifying road transport in one of Europe’s most vital logistics centers.
The port of Antwerp-Bruges, with its central location, extensive connections, and robust infrastructure, plays a critical role in the international transport network. The new charging hub is part of a broader initiative to develop a green corridor between the port areas of Antwerp and Bruges, paving the way for the use of electric heavy-duty vehicles. This aligns with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050, a goal supported by the port’s existing renewable energy production from solar panels and wind turbines.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, highlighted the importance of such infrastructure: “The need for charging infrastructure is a key element in the electrification of road transport. Completely in line with our leading role in the transition to renewable energy, we decided to act and, together with Milence, provide charging hubs in the Antwerp port area. We hope to be a source of inspiration for other ports and logistics areas.”
Milence’s CEO, Anja van Niersen, echoed this sentiment, stating: “With this strategic addition to the network, Milence’s future roadmap is taking shape. Situated on the Rhine-Alpine corridor, one of the busiest freight routes in Europe, this will bring the charging infrastructure where it is most needed to enable the sustainable transport of goods across the continent.”
The newly opened hub at truck parking Ketenis features ten Combined Charging System (CCS) chargers, each capable of delivering up to 400kW of power per bay, powering twenty bays in total. This marks a significant milestone for Milence, as it is both the first hub in Belgium and the largest in Europe. A second hub at truck parking Goordijk, with five CCS chargers powering ten bays, is slated to open later this year. Both hubs are expected to transition swiftly to Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) as the technology becomes available.
Annick De Ridder, President of the Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, remarked: “These charging hubs make both truck parkings in the Antwerp port area an indispensable link in electric truck transport. Together with Milence, we remove an important barrier for domestic and foreign transporters to switch to electric trucks. Road transport is and will remain important for our port, for the fast and timely delivery of very specific products and for the ‘last mile’. Our port is Flanders’ economic engine. The more sustainable – and in this case, the more electric – this engine runs, the better!”
The new charging hub is designed to provide a safe and convenient recharging experience for truck drivers. The truck parking is fenced, secured with access control, illuminated, and equipped with camera surveillance, Wi-Fi, and sanitary facilities. Additionally, snacks and drinks are available from on-site vending machines, ensuring a comfortable stop while charging.
