Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and the TRATON GROUP, has been selected by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to build 2 state-of-the-art charging hubs at the Truck Parking Goordijk and Ketenis. Milence is currently developing the largest public charging network for all battery-electric heavy-duty trucks in Europe. Scheduled to open in May 2024, the hubs in the Antwerp Port area will comprise two plots with a total of 30 charging bays. The number of charging bays will be increased in a second phase of development.

The 2 charging hubs will initially be equipped with 15 high-performance Combined Charging System (CCS) chargers offering up to 400kW of charging power. Milence also plans a swift transition to Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology as soon as it becomes available.

Strategic location on green corridor

Milence is developing its network with a focus on creating green corridors for road transport connecting key logistics hubs, major ports and airports. With more than 300 maritime liner services and 800 destinations, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second largest port in Europe and a true world port, playing a key role in international connections.

Rest and recharge

Milence is accelerating the transition to electric transport by building a reliable & safe charging network for electric heavy-duty trucks. Milence focuses on a holistic rest and recharge experience that not only powers vehicles, but also creates a rest environment for drivers.

Driver comfort and safety are a major concern also for Port of Antwerp-Bruges. In March 2023 it opened a second truck parking. Both parking areas are fenced, illuminated and equipped with camera surveillance, Wi-Fi and sanitary facilities. Snacks and drinks are available from vending machines.

Commitment to net zero

By moving towards a circular economy and major investments in energy transition, Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to become carbon neutral by 2050. The port already produces a large amount of renewable energy locally with solar panels and wind turbines, which is used to power its daily operations, including the new Milence charging hub.

Integrating renewable energy into this transport sector is vital ​ With this collaboration, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Milence aim to remove one of the major hurdles for transport firms to make the switch to electric trucks.

The Flemish Ministry of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) granted a project subsidy for this project.

Anja van Niersen, CEO at Milence: “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.”

Annick De Ridder, Vice-Mayor of the City of Antwerp and President of the board of directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: ““Our two truck parks in the Antwerp port, Goordijk and Ketenis, will be equipped by Milence with 15 high capacity chargers for electric trucks. It will make these truck parks an essential link in electric truck transport. At the same time, this will also remove an important barrier for domestic and foreign transporters to make the switch to electric trucks. Road transport is and will remain important for our port, for the fast ​ and timely delivery of very 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!”