PSA Belgium and Daimler Truck BeLux provide firsts

PSA Belgium and Daimler Truck BeLux are providing a Belgian first. For the first time, the electrically powered truck Mercedes-Benz eActros300 will transport containers on public roads. "Transporting containers between our own various terminals is a daily reality," points out Cameron Thorpe, CEO of PSA Belgium. "At PSA Belgium, we are making significant strides in reducing our carbon emissions, with the greening of transport playing a crucial role. This test drive marks an important milestone in the learning process for all parties involved, and PSA Belgium is delighted to be the selected partner to conduct this field test." During the week of November 20, several test transports with the battery-electric truck will take place between the North Sea and Europa Terminal, the MPET terminal, the Breakbulk terminal and the PSA terminal in Zeebrugge.

In line with the UN Paris Climate Agreement, the EU Green Deal as well as the PSA Group's ambitions, PSA Belgium, MPET and ATS aim to reduce their carbon emissions by half by 2030 compared to 2019 and to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. "We realize that we still have a long way to go but we are firmly convinced that we will meet our targets," Cameron Thorpe confirmed.

To further improve sustainability, PSA is committed to several pathways. For example, there is the Green Straddle Carrier program in which PSA Antwerp, MPET and ATS are integrally testing key technologies to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of straddle carriers - the so-called "elephants" - in their actual environment. But the efforts don't stop there. The sustainability of transport between the various PSA locations (North Sea Terminal, Europa Terminal, MPET, PSA Breakbulk and PSA Zeebrugge), is also being scrutinized. So now there are the trial runs with Daimler Truck's electric truck.

 Cameron Thorpe: "The evaluation of this test run is essential in the further sustainability of trucking between terminals. These test runs fit perfectly into our sustainability story but also fit perfectly into our PORT+ offering. Thus, we will learn a lot about the type of equipment needed to transport containers in this way and our partner Daimler Truck BeLux can gain experience about the range that applies regarding an electric truck in combination with a container and this at different distances."

"For its part, Daimler Truck is proud of its cooperation with PSA, which began as early as last year." says Peter Brock, CEO Daimler Truck BeLux. "As a leading truck manufacturer, Daimler Truck is working tirelessly to make significant contributions to reducing CO2 emissions in line with European targets. For example, we aim for 60% of all trucks sold in Europe to be electric vehicles by 2030. In line with this commitment to sustainability, Daimler Truck provides not only trucks but also total solutions that assist customers in all relevant steps of the transition to CO2-neutral transport. We look forward to further developing our cooperation with PSA and together taking the lead in creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future."