Volvo Trucks and DFDS have launched a collaborative initiative to transfer a share of their container transport operations from day to night between Ghent and the Port of Antwerp.
The project, running since October 2024, aims to reduce congestion, improve transport efficiency, and support sustainability through the use of heavy-duty electric trucks.
The partnership centres on transporting spare parts containers between Volvo Trucks’ distribution centre in Ghent and Antwerp’s deep-sea terminals.
Operating largely during off-peak hours, the electric fleet ensures emission-free transport. Trucks are charged at Ketenis parking via the Milence network, aligned with drivers’ rest breaks to optimise time and energy use.
The shift to night logistics aims to reduce delays caused by daytime congestion, increase infrastructure utilisation, and allow DFDS to make fuller use of its vehicle capacity.
Administrative tasks completed during the day also support a streamlined night-time transport chain, according to all partners involved.
“Night logistics offers a tangible solution to the chronic congestion problem in and around the port,” said Tia Meyvis of Alfaport Voka.
“That’s why we have made it a key objective in our Routeplan 2030, our economic vision for the future of the Antwerp-Waasland region. Supporting initiatives such as those from DFDS and Volvo helps create space for more reliable freight transport and improved efficiency in port infrastructure use.”
Currently, DFDS moves around 150 containers per month through night-time operations, traffic that was previously handled during the day. There are plans to scale this further, according to the company, in part by expanding the electric vehicle fleet.
Jan Buytaert, Product Manager Mobility & Connectivity at the Port Authority, said: “The collaboration between DFDS and Volvo Trucks demonstrates that night logistics is a viable solution to both environmental and economic challenges in the transport sector.
“The initiative helps distribute traffic more evenly around the Port of Antwerp and shows how cooperation between shipper and carrier can make a tangible impact.”
Just recently, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, together with technology partners Akkodis, VDL, and Medrepair, presented a live demonstration of an autonomous, fully electric shuttle. The shuttle reportedly enhances operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability in port environments.
