• Distinctive and sustainable design: The hub is the 1st in Europe to have the full Milence design concept for an improved customer experience
Amsterdam, June 13th, 2024 – Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP, and Volvo Group, opens its largest charging hub to date at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, in the presence of Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal. With a total throughput of 289 million tonnes per year, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a major hub for global trade. Its central location, extensive connections and excellent infrastructure make it a true world port and a key node in the Milence network.
Anja van Niersen, Milence CEO:” With this strategic addition to the network, Milence’s future roadmap is taking shape. Situated on the Rhine-Alpine corridor, one of the busiest freight routes in Europe, this will bring the charging infrastructure where it is most needed to enable the sustainable transport of goods across the continent.”
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “The need for charging infrastructure is a key element in the electrification of road transport. Completely in line with our leading role in the transition to renewable energy, we decided to act and, together with Milence, provide charging hubs in the Antwerp port area. We hope to be a source of inspiration for other ports and logistics areas.”
Accelerating transition to electric heavy-duty vehicles across Europe
Two years ago, Milence committed to accelerating the transition to electric road transport with the roll-out of Europe’s first large-scale public charging network. A network that is reliable, future-proof, technologically advanced, and accessible to all trucks, regardless of brand. The newly opened charging hub at truck parking Ketenis, with ten Combined Charging System (CCS) chargers, powering twenty bays with up to 400kW of power per bay, marks a significant milestone for Milence, being its first hub in Belgium and its largest in Europe. A second hub at truck parking Goordijk, with five CCS chargers powering ten bays, is planned to open later this year. Milence plans a swift transition to Megawatt Charging System (MCS) for both hubs as soon as the technology is available.
Accessible and seamless charging experience
To ensure accessibility for every truck on the market, Milence has signed agreements with several major e-Mobility Service Providers (eMSPs) in Europe. This network of partners will continue to be expanded.
Milence has also developed a user-friendly app for its customers, allowing them to easily locate a charger and pay for the charging sessions. Direct payments will also be available via a payment terminal.
Milence’s direct tariff is set at EUR 0,4 (0,399 EUR) per kWh excluding VAT and transactional costs. This charging tariff applies to all hubs operated by Milence, and can be found in the Milence app and displayed at the charging station.
Safe & convenient recharging for trucks and drivers
The new charging hub will also provide amenities for truck drivers to ensure a comfortable stop while charging. The parking area is fenced and secured with access control, illuminated, and equipped with camera surveillance, Wi-Fi and sanitary facilities. Additionally, snacks and drinks are available from on-site vending machines.
Strong commitment to net zero and sustainability
The charging hub located at truck parking Ketenis together with the one to open at truck parking Goordijk contribute to the green corridor initiative between the ports of Antwerp and Bruges, enabling the use of electric heavy-duty vehicles. This corridor is part of a broader effort by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to position itself as a leader in sustainable port operations globally. With a clear commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050, the port already produces significant amounts of renewable energy locally with solar panels and wind turbines, used to power daily operations.
Annick De Ridder, President of the Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges:
“These charging hubs make both truck parkings in the Antwerp port area an indispensable link in electric truck transport. Together with Milence, we remove an important barrier for domestic and foreign transporters to switch to electric trucks.
Road transport is and remains important for our port, for the fast and timely delivery of very specific products and for the ‘last mile’. Our port is Flanders’ economic engine. The more sustainable – and in this case, the more electric – this engine runs, the better!”
Milence is happy to contribute to this vision, not only by providing the right charging solutions, but also by looking at the options available to do this in a sustainable way. For example, by lowering CO2 emissions throughout the concrete paving solution and using wood elements in the distinctive Milence arch and canopies for a 30-year lifespan.
Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence, concluded: “This development in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a clear proof that strong partnerships are the way forward in creating green corridors across Europe. This hub not only supports this, but also represents a significant step towards realising our vision for the future of fossil-free road transport. A future that starts here, today and we are happy Milence is leading the way”.