On Tuesday, Port of Antwerp-Bruges organized the first fully autonomous truck journey on public roads in Belgium. This milestone, operated under the Belgian regulatory framework, showcases how Belgium – and Europe — can take the lead in advancing autonomous freight technology. With this initiative, the port authority wants to emphasise its pioneering role in the field of sustainable and autonomous mobility.
The self-driving heavy-duty truck demonstrated is manufactured by the Swedish company Enride and has a level 4 autonomy, which means it is capable of self-driving within a predetermined zone.
Ideal testing environment
The truck uses radar, LIDAR, and camera technology to create a 360-degree view, and is monitored via an AI-driven control room. The demonstration was limited, for the time being, to a small loop on a harbor site and a section of public road next to it.
The port authority expects a lot from autonomous trucks in the future and sees advantages in terms of safety, sustainability, and cost: drivers are not only expensive but also difficult to find. The port calls itself an ideal testing environment for such innovations.
‘Step toward safer transpprt’
The demonstration took place during the first edition of the innovation event Port of the Future – Autonomous Summit, held during Mobility Week. The initiative brings together technology companies, port authorities, and policymakers to showcase the latest developments in autonomous mobility, from drones and crewless vessels to container shuttles and trains.
“With the approval of the first autonomous level 4 truck in Belgium, we are taking a step toward safer transport,” concludes Minister of Mobility, Climate and Ecological Transition Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés).
‘Gateway to the future’
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “With this world first, we show that autonomy in our port is not a far-fetched show. Autonomous solutions are already making us smarter, safer, and more sustainable today. And that is exactly what we need to continue strengthening our role as a world port. After all, we not only want to be a gateway for goods but also a gateway to the future.”
About Einride
On September 16th, Einride, a technology company that provides digital, electric, and autonomous solutions for road freight, operated a fully autonomous heavy-duty vehicle for the first time on a public road in Belgium.
In December 2024, Swedish freight technology company Einride, specializing in sustainable and autonomous vehicle solutions, achieved a European milestone by launching the continent’s first daily commercial autonomous freight operation.
Einride’s progress in Sweden is part of its broader strategy to redefine freight logistics. With operations now spanning Europe, the US, and the Middle East, Einride continues to secure partnerships with global giants, including PepsiCo, Heineken, and DP World.
