DFDS, Volvo collaborate on autonomous container truck

   The ferry and logistics company DFDS and Volvo are collaborating on a project to use autonomous trucks to move containers between a DFDS logistics center and an APM Terminals port facility in Gothenburg, Sweden.
   Volvo Truck’s autonomous, electric Vera truck will move the containers, but the vehicle will be monitored by an operator in a control tower.
    “The collaboration with DFDS is a first step towards implementing Vera in a real transport assignment on predefined public roads in an industrial area. The truck can travel at speeds of up to 24 miles per hour,” Volvo said.
   Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS, added, “This collaboration will help us develop an efficient, flexible and sustainable long-term solution for receiving autonomous vehicles arriving at our gates, benefiting our customers, the environment and our business.” 
   Mikael Karlsson, vice president of autonomous solutions for Volvo Trucks, said, “Autonomous transports with low noise levels and zero exhaust emissions have an important role to play in the future of logistics and will benefit both business and society.
   “We see this collaboration as an important start and want to drive progress in this area. Vera may have a speed limit, but we don’t. Testing has already started and we intend to implement the solution within the coming years,” Karlsson said.