Autonomous driving moves ahead at Lineage in North Sea Port

What if your next container move didn't need a driver? Within the dynamic ecosystem of North Sea Port, innovation continues to take shape through projects that push the boundaries of sustainable and multimodal transport.

One of these initiatives is the successful Living Lab Autonomous Transport Zeeland (ATZ) project at the terminal of Lineage in Vlissingen. ATZ was developed as an open innovation system in which logistics companies, technology providers for autonomous vehicles, road authorities and knowledge institutions jointly innovated and experimented with autonomous vehicles with mixed traffic in real-life logistics operations and public roads. The goal: autonomous (driverless) transportation from the yard to the quay at Lineage's site in Vlissingen. Integrating seamlessly into Lineage's operation processes

Lineage showed interest in contributing to the pilot and supported by providing an opportunity for the developer, Terberg, by putting the autonomous trucks into pilot-use at one of Lineage's terminals. Let's go back to 2022, Proof of Concept 1 of ATZ, co-funded by the European Union, The Netherlands and Zeeland Regional was successfully completed with a successful demonstration for all stakeholders.

There were improvements identified, which initiated Proof of Concept 2, delivered in December 2023. This collaborative project involved the developers of the truck: manufacturer Terberg Benschop, technology provider EasyMile and Lineage as the site operator. Their goal: further refine the self-driving terminal truck and its systems so it can safely drive in a mixed traffic container terminal. This project focused mainly on providing valuable experience and feedback to improve their technology, preparing it for market.

The impact of intentional automation goes beyond a single facility and its employees. The automated warehousing solutions have combined next-generation technology, applied sciences and innovative thinking to deliver greater efficiency and modern supply chain solutions.

“We were therefore very keen to join this fantastic opportunity and on-going pilot,” said Mark Ketelaar, Regional Vice President The Netherlands, “This collaboration is crucial for the project's potential success, highlighting the importance of coordination and synergy among all stakeholders.” 

The key objective of Proof of Concept 2 is to drive with a loaded container on the chassis to a Rubber Tyred Gantry crane transfer points for container handling. Not all defined functional goals were achieved, therefore notable achievements in Proof of Concept 2 include: transportation of loaded containers, availability and accessibility of all RTG transfer points and less manual handlings for safety driver.

Although there was an improvement in the speed and system stability of the vehicle, development of new potential features have already started. The next phase of development will focus on testing with reverse driving, transitioning from safety drivers to remote operation to not having any person in the cabin and improving performance during adverse weather conditions like rain and fog.

As innovation moves forward in North Sea Port, Proof of concept 2 at Lineage marks another step toward a future where container transport can operate without a driver. Through close collaboration and hands-on testing, this project is helping shape safer, smarter and more efficient terminal operations. Bringing them closer to the ultimate goal of fully autonomous transport in reality.