One of Europe's largest public charging points for electric heavy vehicles opens in Antwerp port area

Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP and the Volvo Group, is opening its largest charging point to date in the port of Antwerp-Bruges. Due to its central location, extensive connections and excellent infrastructure, the port is an important hub in the international transport network.

Strong commitment to climate neutrality and sustainability

The loading station at Ketenis truck park and that at Goordijk truck park are contributing to the realization of the green corridor between the port areas of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. This corridor is part of a broader effort by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to position itself as a leader in sustainable port activities worldwide. The port is clearly committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and is already producing significant amounts of renewable energy with solar panels and wind turbines for daily operations.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: "The need for charging infrastructure is a key element in the electrification of road transport. Fully in line with our pioneering role in the transition to renewable energy, we decided to take action and work with Milence to provide charging stations in the Antwerp port area. In doing so, we hope to be an inspiration to other ports and logistics zones."

Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence: "With this strategic addition to the network, Milence's future roadmap is taking shape. Located in the Rhine-Alps corridor, one of the busiest freight routes in Europe, this brings the charging infrastructure where it is most needed to enable sustainable transportation of goods across the continent."

Accelerated shift to electric trucks across Europe

The just-opened charging hub at Ketenis truck park has ten CCS (Combined Charging System) chargers powering 20 charging points with a capacity of up to 400 kW per charging point. It is the first hub in Belgium for Milence and the largest in Europe. The opening of a second hub at Goordijk truck park, with five CCS chargers powering charging points, is planned for later this year. A rapid transition to Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) for both hubs is planned once the technology is available.

Annick De Ridder, alderman of the City of Antwerp and chairman of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges board of directors: "These charging stations make both truck parking lots in the Antwerp port area an indispensable link in electric truck transport. Together with Milence, we are removing an important threshold for domestic and foreign carriers to switch to electric trucks. Road transport is and remains important for our port, for the fast and timely delivery of specific products and for the 'last mile'. Our port is the economic engine of Flanders. The more sustainable - and in this case, the more electric - this engine runs, the better!"

Safe and convenient charging

The new charging station is in a parking lot with amenities for truck drivers so they can stop comfortably while charging.

The parking lot is fenced and secured with access control, lighted and equipped with camera surveillance, Wi-Fi and washroom facilities. In addition, snacks and beverages are available from vending machines on site.