The Port of Rotterdam has announced that it will be taking part in the European Truck Platooning Challenge, a trial initiated by the Netherlands as part of its 2016 Presidency of the European Union to develop the method further and bring it to people’s attention.
‘Truck platooning’ involves having a column of automated trucks travelling closely together and is said to have a number of advantages for port users, such as fuel efficiency, and societal benefits in the fields of sustainability, environment and infrastructure.
For this trial, the column of trucks will depart from a number of European cities and head for the Netherlands. They are expected to reach their final destination at the Maasvlakte, Rotterdam on April 6.
The Netherlands’ Presidency of the European Union gives it the perfect opportunity to bring platooning to people’s attention, said Bob Dodemont, project manager of smart mobility at the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
“We need each other in Europe, and it is important to reach satisfactory agreements about who if going to do what and how we can provide mutual support,” he added. “This challenge is a fantastic chance and a first test to demonstrate successful European cooperation.”
Singapore’s Ministry of Transport previously joined forces with PSA International to test and develop a truck platooning system in a similar way to the Port of Rotterdam now, trialling inter-terminal haulage between Brani Terminal and Pasir Panjang Terminals via a 10km route along the West Coast Highway.
