The autonomous vehicle technology company EasyMile has partnered with terminal tractor maker Terberg Special Vehicles to deliver an autonomous vehicle for ports, which is being deployed in roll-on/roll-off operations at the DFDS terminal in Rotterdam.
The autonomous terminal tractor successfully completed a series of complex tasks including driverless trailer transfer, shunting from point A to B and for the first time, autonomous driving on and off a ship.
EasyMile says demonstrating driverless trailer transfer in real port operations represents “a significant leap forward in the evolution of autonomous logistics”. This technology showcases the vehicle’s ability to manoeuvre independently and effectively in complex environments, traffic and weather conditions and underscores their potential to transform the efficiency and sustainability of port operations. It adds that, by successfully conducting trailer transfers autonomously, these vehicles can add capacity, minimise errors, and contribute to the overall efficiency of port logistics.
It believes roll-on/roll-off port operations with a driverless terminal tractor could significantly reduce turnaround times, improved space utilisation, and enhance safety within port environments.
(Picture – EasyMile)
