'On the Maasvlakte, electric driving just works'

With 185,000 square meters of warehouse space in the Port of Rotterdam, mostly on the Maasvlakte, Odin Warehousing is among the larger logistics players in the port area. The company handles the unloading, loading, customs clearance and transit of container loads to the hinterland. With sustainability also becoming increasingly important in logistics, Odin is now taking a big step: the deployment of three fully electric Volvo trucks, supported by its own charging station with six charging points.

Odin's location - a stone's throw from the container terminals - makes the company ideally suited to apply electric transport. The limited range of electric trucks there is not an obstacle: the short trips to and from the terminals are ideal to be carried out with emission-free vehicles. Moreover, the switch offers Odin more control over a crucial process. Growing congestion at the terminals made it increasingly difficult to get containers out on time during the day. With a night operation and its own trucks, the company can better control this process and make it more sustainable.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority also sees Odin's move as an important development. It encourages initiatives that contribute to emission-free port logistics and supports the arrival of the loading plaza. Not surprisingly, the facility will be officially opened by the COO of the Port Authority. Moreover, the port wants the plaza to be usable not only by Odin itself but also by other carriers.

Warehouse & Logistics spoke with general manager Alain Grotenhuis about the background of this choice, the reactions of drivers and customers, and ambitions for the future.

Why did Odin choose to deploy its own electric trucks?

"Until recently, we used an in-house carrier for container transport. But the world is changing rapidly. The focus on sustainability is growing and our warehouses are already carbon neutral. In addition, congestion at container terminals is greatly increasing during the day, making it more difficult to remove containers in a timely manner. We therefore wanted to switch to a night operation. Since we are literally next to the terminals, this was the perfect time to use our own trucks. With electric trucks that works perfectly: despite their limited range compared to diesel trucks, we can make all the trips we need."

That also requires proprietary charging infrastructure. How have you arranged that?

"We have developed our own charging facility with six charging points. This means we are not dependent on third parties, because the port still lacks sufficient capacity. Three trucks are now running and the ambition is to at least double this number soon."

How did the drivers respond?

"It drives amazingly nice, I hear back. Less jerking, very quiet, and all the new technology is in it. I've also tried a small bit myself on our property - without a container behind it - and it feels almost like an automatic passenger car. Only wider."

What does this mean for customers?

"Although CSRD regulations are 'on hold' for now, we are noticing a lot of interest from large companies. We are not more expensive than diesel transport, our costs have remained competitive. This allows us to run electric without increasing prices. For customers this is attractive: they can green their inbound logistics without paying more."  

You mentioned the charging plaza. Will that be open to others as well?

"The Port Authority had an emphatic desire for this. At first we were a bit reluctant, but we also feel that you don't do this just for yourself. We are therefore going to open up the square to the public. The permit application is in progress. Commercial rates will apply, but frankly there are still relatively few electric trucks, so it won't make you rich. You do it primarily to do good and to help the industry move forward."

Why did the choice fall on Volvo?

"As far as we could tell, Volvo has the most experience with electric trucks. Their story was open and honest, which suited us well. They also helped explore leasing options. They themselves said, 'We may only have six years of experience with electric trucks, but in that time we have gained millions of miles of experience.' That attitude really appealed to us."

Are you proud of what is there now?

"Yes, absolutely. We are getting a lot of interest from new customers and the overall picture is just right. The trucks are nicely wrapped, the loading facility is operational and it fits how we want to do business. I'm genuinely proud of it."