Antwerp unveils self-driving electric port shuttle

In a live demonstration, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and partners Akkodis, VDL and Medrepair showcased the self-driving, zero-emission shuttle designed to automate intra-terminal container transport. 

“Today more than ever, Port of Antwerp-Bruges functions as a unique testbed for pioneering innovations,” said Johan Klaps, Vice Mayor for the Port and Economy City of Antwerp.

“The autonomous, electric container shuttle that is driving on an active terminal for the first time today shows perfectly how technology and sustainability can go hand in hand.”

Scalable logistics

Port of Antwerp-Bruge’s demonstration of the shuttle, part of the EU-funded PIONEERS project, marked a significant step toward sustainable, scalable logistics for the port.

This marks the second successful test following a previous validation in Breda. 

The electric shuttle, based on the VDL 3-axle MTT platform, uses intelligent navigation, a 6×4 electric transmission and a dynamic axle system to handle complex port conditions.

It can operate for up to eight hours per charge, carrying payloads of up to 48,000 kg, all while offering full operational visibility via a central Human-Machine Interface (HMI).

The shuttle provides a flexible, modular solution for LaaS (Logistics as a Service) strategies, reducing reliance on diesel vehicles, improving efficiency, and minimising labour constraints.

By electrifying short-distance freight movements, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges said it hopes to set a new benchmark in terminal logistics and port electrification.