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MAGPIE Automated trucking demo

Autonomous electric trucks with hands-free charging improve terminal efficiency, reduce emissions, enhance safety, and address driver shortages. This is demo 9 within the MAGPIE project.

Introduction

Automated driving in port logistics focuses on low-speed autonomous truck operations within terminal environments. This demonstration explores the integration of automated driving with electric trucking and hands-free charging to optimize terminal efficiency, reduce emissions, and address driver shortages. The system enables autonomous navigation, unloading, and charging, reducing idle time and improving safety. This factsheet outlines the value proposition, applicability, technical solution, and implementation roadmap for automated driving in port logistics.

Value proposition

  • Enables more efficient use of charging infrastructure, reduces driver idle time, and optimizes unloading[Jv1.1][FK1.2] (no driver needed, no drive time limitations).

  • lready implemented in the Port of Rotterdam. Can be implemented on other terminals by 2030.

Problem: High costs, low budgets, and market dependency hinder adoption. Regulatory differences across countries and lack of stakeholder alignment delay implementation. Social acceptance is low due to concerns about job replacement.

Port applicability

• Large Container Ports/Hub Ports: Highly applicable due to terminal complexity and potential for automation. • Industrial Ports: Applicable where terminal operations are standardized. • Smaller/Regional Ports: Less applicable unless automation is already supported. • Other: Relevant for ports with internal road networks and limited public road exposure.

Detailed description of the solution

  • Autonomous Trucks

    Operate within terminal environments without driver intervention.

  • Hands-Free Charging

    Enables automated electric charging without manual connection.

  • Control Room

    Manages multiple trucks simultaneously (5–10 per controller).

  • Unloading Optimalization

    No driver needed, reducing drive time limitations.

  • Infrastructure

    Requires minimal additional infrastructure; charging points are a constraint.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
Energy EfficiencyMedium impact
Improved through optimized charging and reduced idle time.
GHG emissionsMedium impact
Scope 1 emissions replaced by Scope 2 (electricity-based).
Pollutant emissionsMedium impact
Reduced through electrification.
SafetyMedium impact
Increased situational awareness and reduced human error. More rest for drivers.
Port cityMedium impact
Supports cleaner, quieter operations.
Efficiency and less dependency on limited available peopleMedium impact
Addresses driver shortages and improves terminal throughput.

Port characteristics

• Need: Electrified infrastructure, space for autonomous operations[Jv5.1][FK5.2]. • Affects: Terminal layout, control systems, and workforce planning.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • Non-technologicalEnabler

    Driver shortages and operational efficiency gains.

  • TechnologyEnabler

    Hands-free charging and centralized control systems.

Barriers

  • Non-technologicalBarrier

    Social acceptance, regulatory differences, stakeholder coordination. Doing nothing is still considered the best option by most companies.

  • TechnologyBarrier

    Infrastructure limitations, charging point availability.

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Pilot testing

  2. Step 2

    Control room setup

  3. Step 3

    Phased deployment by 2030

Implementation interdependencies

Coordination between terminal operators, tech providers, and regulators.

Required involved stakeholders

  • Port Authority

    Facilitates infrastructure planning, regulatory alignment, and integration of autonomous systems within terminal operations.

  • Terminal Operators

    Key implementers of autonomous truck operations. Responsible for adapting terminal layouts, managing control rooms, and ensuring safe coordination between automated and conventional vehicles.

  • Shipping Lines

    Indirectly involved. Benefit from improved terminal efficiency and reduced turnaround times.

  • Fuel Suppliers/Distributors

    Not directly involved, but may be impacted by reduced diesel demand as electric and automated trucks are adopted.

  • Technology Providers

    Develop autonomous driving systems, hands-free charging solutions, and control tower software. Critical for system integration and performance.

  • Engineering & Construction Firms

    Support infrastructure modifications, including charging point installation and terminal layout adjustments.

  • Classification Societies

    Ensure safety compliance and certification of autonomous vehicle systems and charging infrastructure.

  • National & International Regulators

    Define legal frameworks for autonomous vehicle operation, especially on public roads between terminals.

  • Financial Institutions/Investors

    Provide funding for automation technology, control room setup, and infrastructure upgrades.

  • Research & Development Institutions

    Support testing, simulation, and optimization of autonomous driving systems and operational models.

  • Local Government & Community Groups

    Engaged in discussions around social acceptance, labor impacts, and urban integration of autonomous logistics.

  • Workforce Representatives/Unions

    Involved in addressing concerns about job displacement, retraining, and safety in mixed human-automated environments.

Knowledge base and references