Einride has achieved a historic milestone by successfully operating the first fully autonomous heavy-duty truck on a public road in Belgium. The trial took place at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe’s most strategically important logistics hubs, marking a major step towards widespread adoption of self-driving freight technology.
Image: Einride
This breakthrough not only strengthens Belgium’s role as a frontrunner in smart logistics innovation but also underscores the growing importance of autonomous vehicles in driving efficiency, safety, and sustainability in European freight operations.
Why the Port of Antwerp-Bruges Matters
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is Europe’s second-largest seaport and a critical gateway for international trade. Its infrastructure and scale make it an ideal testbed for autonomous transport solutions. With over 290 million tonnes of cargo moving through its terminals annually, the port faces constant demand for improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
By deploying an autonomous heavy-duty vehicle within such a complex operational environment, Einride demonstrates that driverless freight can operate safely in high-traffic, real-world logistics settings.
Johan Klaps, chairman of the board of directors Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Antwerp port alderman: “Antwerp is more than a logistical hub: it is also a place where the mobility of tomorrow is tested and concretised. Autonomous and sustainable applications such as Einride’s proves that innovation is a driver for competitiveness and economic growth.”
The Technology Behind the Autonomous Heavy-Duty Truck
Einride’s heavy-duty autonomous truck is designed without a cab, optimising both aerodynamics and operational capacity. Powered by a fully electric drivetrain, the vehicle eliminates tailpipe emissions, directly contributing to decarbonisation targets in European freight.
Advanced sensor suites, including LiDAR, radar, and high-resolution cameras, provide 360-degree perception, enabling safe navigation around pedestrians, port vehicles, and shipping equipment. The truck is also supported by Einride’s proprietary digital operating system, which integrates routing, charging management, and remote monitoring.
Remote Operation and Safety Protocols
Einride remote monitoring. Image: Einride
Safety remains the cornerstone of this deployment. While the vehicle navigates independently, trained remote operators are on standby to intervene if necessary. This operational model ensures regulatory compliance while allowing the truck to execute journeys with high precision.
The autonomous system has undergone extensive simulation, closed-track testing, and incremental pilot phases before this landmark public road deployment. Every element of its operation has been designed to meet European safety regulations and instil confidence among stakeholders.
Sustainability and Carbon Reduction in Logistics
Decarbonisation is at the heart of modern freight strategy. Heavy-duty road transport accounts for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions across Europe, making electrification and automation vital to achieving climate goals.
By introducing an autonomous, electric heavy-duty vehicle in Belgium, Einride provides a template for sustainable logistics. This innovation reduces reliance on fossil fuels, optimises delivery efficiency, and ensures fewer empty miles, all of which contribute to cutting overall carbon intensity within the supply chain.
Image: Einride
Henrik Green CTO and General Manager for Einride Autonomous Technologies: “Now in our third European country, Einride continues to demonstrate success in securing permits and achieving first-of-their-kind deployments. Today in Antwerp, we showcase how public and private sectors can come together toward shared goals. European Ports, such as Antwerp-Bruges, are essential for decarbonising logistics and secure our supply chains; and with the European Commission acknowledging autonomous vehicles as key to EU competitiveness, we’re proud to showcase a clear example of how innovation and regulation can be balanced for safer, more efficient and sustainable logistics.”
Einride’s Belgian deployment is more than a symbolic achievement—it is a signal of what is to come. With increasing investments across Europe in driverless vehicle infrastructure, the continent is poised to become a global leader in automated logistics.
Widespread integration of driverless trucks could redefine trade corridors, reduce congestion, and enhance supply chain resilience. If current progress continues, it is likely that Europe will see scaled deployments across ports, logistics hubs, and intermodal corridors within the next decade.
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.”
