DM Transport has reached a significant milestone in its fleet electrification efforts with the deployment of its first heavy-duty battery-electric truck within the Port of Rotterdam.

Purchased and funded by DM Transport, the Volvo FH Electric will support container-shunting operations at QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam (QTKR), serving customers including Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd. (ONE).

For more than a year, DM Transport, ONE and QTKR have worked together to reduce emissions from local port-shunting operations through an ongoing HVO100 biofuel scheme. Building on this foundation, the introduction of the e-truck marks the next step in DM Transport's move towards lower-emission container transport.

By combining the established use of HVO100 with this initial e-truck deployment and plans for introducing further electric vehicles, the three companies are creating a scalable approach to lowering emissions from port-shunting operations.

Max Van Stek, Managing Director of  DM Transport, said: "Investing in our first Volvo FH Electric is an important milestone for DM Transport and the next stage in our efforts to reduce emissions from port transport.

"For more than a year, we have worked with ONE and QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam through the HVO100 scheme. Introducing an electric truck builds on that progress and gives us valuable experience of operating battery-electric heavy transport in a busy port environment.

"We are proud to see the vehicle carrying ONE's distinctive colours. The livery reflects a valued customer relationship, while the truck itself makes our commitment to lower-emission port transport visible on the road."

QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam will facilitate the truck's operation at its depot, where DM Transport provides transport and shunting services. Its role will help DM Transport integrate the vehicle into regular operations and assess how electric trucks can be deployed effectively in a working port environment.

Fred Groenendijk, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam, said: "We welcome DM Transport's investment and look forward to seeing the new electric truck operating at our facilities. Port shunting is a critical part of the container supply chain, and reducing its emissions requires practical action and close cooperation between transport providers, depot operators and customers.

"Following the progress made through the HVO100 scheme, this deployment represents another positive step towards lower-emission operations within the Port of Rotterdam."

Frida Thorborg, Manager of the Green Strategy Department for the EUA Region at Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd., said: "We congratulate DM Transport on this significant investment. The introduction of its first electric truck builds on the progress we have already made together through the HVO100 scheme and creates another opportunity to reduce emissions from our local logistics activities.

"We appreciate that DM Transport has chosen to brand the vehicle in ONE's corporate colour. This reflects a shared commitment amongst partners to lower-emission operations and represents a step forward for port transport in Rotterdam."