Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, and TRATON GROUP, has been chosen by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to develop two cutting-edge charging hubs at the Truck Parking Goordijk and Ketenis.
Milence is now constructing Europe’s largest public charging network for all battery-electric heavy-duty vehicles.
The Antwerp Port hubs, which are set to debut in May 2024, will consist of two plots with a total of 30 charging bays. In the second phase of development, there will be a larger number of charging bays.
The two charging hubs will initially be outfitted with 15 high-performance Combined Charging System (CCS) chargers with charging capabilities of up to 400kW. Milence also intends to make the switch to Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology as soon as it is ready.
Milence is expanding its network to connect critical logistical centres, major ports, and airports via green corridors. With over 300 maritime liner services and 800 destinations, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is Europe’s second biggest port, playing an important role in international connections.
Also, Milence is accelerating the shift to electric transportation by constructing a reliable and safe charging network for electric heavy-duty vehicles. Milence is focused on providing a holistic rest and recharge experience that powers vehicles and provides a resting atmosphere for drivers.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges will establish a second truck parking lot in March 2023.
Both parking lots are fenced, illuminated, and outfitted with camera monitoring, Wi-Fi, and sanitary facilities. Vending machines provide snacks and beverages.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges aspires to become carbon neutral by 2050 by transitioning to a circular economy and making significant investments in energy transformation.
The Belgian port already generates a significant amount of renewable energy on-site, using solar panels and wind turbines to power its everyday operations, including the new Milence charging centre.
“I was very happy to reach this agreement between Milence and Port of Antwerp-Bruges as I believe it marks the beginning of a new era in sustainable transport. The development of a 30-bay charging hub for heavy-duty vehicles demonstrates our strong belief that electrification is the clear solution for heavy-duty road transport and our bold commitment to the future of green logistics and clean energy,” stated Anja van Niersen, CEO at Milence.
