Volvo Trucks and DFDS have launched a joint initiative to transition container shipments between Ghent and the Port of Antwerp to nighttime operations.
This innovative approach to night logistics marks a significant step toward improving transport efficiency and reinforcing both companies’ commitment to sustainability.
Since October 2024, DFDS and Volvo Trucks have been working together to enhance environmental performance by moving a substantial portion of their container traffic to the night shift.
The partnership focuses on the transport of spare parts containers between Volvo Trucks’ distribution center in Ghent and Antwerp’s deep-sea terminals.
Leveraging heavy-duty electric trucks, DFDS enables zero-emission transport, primarily during off-peak hours.
Each night, electric DFDS trucks depart from Ghent carrying full containers of spare parts destined for international distribution. Once delivered, the empty containers are returned to Ghent.
Approximately 150 containers are transported each month under this nighttime schedule—traffic that previously occurred during the day. The trucks are charged using the Milence network at the Ketenis parking area, with charging synchronized with the drivers’ required rest periods.
Jan Buytaert, Product Manager Mobility & Connectivity at the Port Authority noted that this initiative not only helps alleviate daytime traffic congestion around the Port of Antwerp but also highlights the positive impact that close cooperation between shippers and carriers can achieve.
