HHLA moves forward with e-truck strategy

These environmentally friendly trucks form part of HHLA’s sustainability strategy, which seeks to accelerate the decarbonisation of logistics chains and provide customers with more green transport solutions.

“We have set ourselves the ambitious goal of achieving climate-neutral production across the Group by 2040. In this quest, we are committed to using innovative technologies in order to further reduce carbon emissions, which also benefits our customers,” said Angela Titzrath, CEO of HHLA.

“The launch of the new electric trucks is another decisive step for HHLA on the road to a more climate-friendly future.”

Testing phase

CTD will initially be using the new electric trucks for container transfers in the Port of Hamburg and subjecting them to extensive testing.

As part of these tests, data will be gathered to provide HHLA with important insights for potential purchases of further e-trucks. In particular, this includes data on the efficient use of the trucks in the Port of Hamburg and the execution of charging cycles.

The Volvo FH electric trucks, which were recently named Truck of the Year 2024, are characterised by their high quality and reliability as commercial vehicles in logistics transport.

They also boast a long range, enabling them to cover a distance of 260 to 340 kilometres when fully loaded. The trucks are fitted with a 540 kWh battery and a maximum charge capacity of 250 kWh.

Initially, they will be charged using the public charging infrastructure.

For many years, HHLA has been working to decarbonise its facilities and equipment. Electrically powered container gantry cranes, automated guided vehicles and tractor units are already in use at its terminals in Europe.

As part of the Clean Port & Logistics cluster, HHLA is also examining the use of hydrogen-powered equipment in tandem with partner companies and comparing this equipment to electric, battery-powered devices.

Furthermore, the HHLA rail subsidiary Metrans has been using and testing electric trucks for container transport for two years now. Since 2022, these electric trucks have formed part of the environmentally friendly Metrans fleet, alongside electric and hybrid locomotives and electric rail gantry cranes.

Metrans is thus pursuing the objective of offering its customers completely climate-friendly transport from a single source, with the combination of green road and rail transport adding significant value in this regard.