Volvo Trucks and DFDS join forces to move container shipments between Ghent and the port of Antwerp from day to night. This pioneering step in night logistics not only enhances the efficiency of the transport chain but also firmly establishes a commitment to sustainability.

Since October 2024, DFDS and Volvo Trucks have been collaborating to improve sustainability and performance by shifting a large part of their container traffic to overnight operations. The collaboration focuses on transporting spare parts containers between Volvo Trucks’ distribution centre in Ghent and the deep-sea terminals at the port of Antwerp. By using heavy electric trucks, DFDS ensures emission-free transport to and from the port, mostly during off-peak hours.

Why shift to night logistics?

The advantages of night logistics are both clear and manifold:

This approach is also gaining support from industry organisations.

Tia Meyvis of Alfaport Voka emphasises the broader importance: ” Night logistics offers a tangible solution to the chronic congestion problem in and around the port. That’s why we have made it a key objective in our Routeplan 2030, our economic vision for the future of the Antwerp-Waasland region. ​ Supporting initiatives such as those from DFDS and Volvo helps create space for more reliable freight transport and improved efficiency in port infrastructure use.”

How does it work?

Each night, electric DFDS trucks leave Ghent for Antwerp, transporting full containers of spare parts for global distribution. After delivery, the empty container is returned. Each month, around 150 containers are moved at night, traffic that was previously handled during the day. Trucks are charged via the Milence network at Ketenis parking, with charging coinciding with the driver’s mandatory rest period.

Growth potential and challenges

The goal is to further increase night-time volumes, partly driven by the expansion of the electric fleet. However, DFDS notes that some obstacles remain:

In addition, the high cost of electric trucks remains a barrier, despite their clear ecological benefits.

A blueprint for the future

“The collaboration between DFDS and Volvo Trucks demonstrates that night logistics is a viable solution to both environmental and economic challenges in the transport sector. The initiative helps distribute traffic more evenly around the port of Antwerp and shows how cooperation between shipper and carrier can make a tangible impact,” says Jan Buytaert, Product Manager Mobility & Connectivity at the Port Authority. “Together with Alfaport Voka, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and all the logistics parties involved, we are pushing for initiatives that will make night logistics increasingly attractive.”