DP World has taken part in a self-driving vehicle trial in mixed traffic on its busy Antwerp Gateway terminal. The automated demonstration, developed by VDL Automated Vehicles, took place within the framework of the PIONEERS innovation programme in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

During the demonstration, the autonomous vehicle operated within the active terminal environment, transporting empty containers across the yard between operational buffer areas and storage blocks. The fully electric vehicle was self-driving using a predefined route interacting with existing terminal traffic, including trucks and internal vehicles.

The demonstration followed a preparation phase where the vehicle carried out several test runs on the terminal to validate the setup and operating conditions ahead of the live event.

The initiative allows DP World Antwerp and its partners to observe how autonomous transport technology works in a live environment and gain practical insight. Edi Cioran, CEO DP World Antwerp, said: “Innovation at terminal level starts with understanding how new technologies behave in real operational situations. This demonstration gives us the opportunity to learn, together with our partners, from a live environment.”

PIONEERS consortium collaboration and innovation

The PIONEERS consortium, which is led by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, brings together ports, terminal operators, technology developers and public partners to explore innovative solutions for port operations. Following the trial period, the project team will review the observations and operational findings gathered during the vehicle’s time on the terminal. These insights will contribute to broader knowledge sharing within the PIONEERS consortium and DP World globally.

Autonomous transport solutions have the potential to support terminal operations by taking over repetitive container movements, improving safety in mixed traffic environments and increasing operational flexibility.
Source: DP World