One of Europe’s largest public charging hubs for electric heavy duty vehicles opens in Antwerp port area

Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP and Volvo Group, opens its largest charging hub to date in the port of Antwerp-Bruges. The port’s central location, extensive connections and excellent infrastructure make it a key node in the international transport network.

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 port areas 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.

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.” 

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.”

Accelerating transition to electric heavy-duty vehicles across Europe

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. A swift transition to Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS) for both hubs is planned as soon as the technology is available.

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 will remain 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!” 

Safe & convenient recharging for trucks and drivers

The new charging hub is located on a truck parking with 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.