Rotterdam, Netherlands — Kramer Group, a major Rotterdam depot and container terminal operator, StreetDrone, a leading provider of autonomous yard truck technology, and Terberg, Europe’s largest manufacturer of yard trucks, have joined forces to deploy autonomous yard trucks across multiple locations in the Port of Rotterdam.
The groundbreaking project, set to span the next two years, will introduce six autonomous yard trucks to the port, commencing at the Kramer City Terminal later in 2023 and expanding to the Maasvlakte Container Exchange Route in 2024. By leveraging the combined expertise of Terberg and StreetDrone, the collaboration is poised to deliver a comprehensive autonomous solution for Kramer Group and their employees.
Using a combination of StreetDrone’s autonomous driving and remote teleoperation solutions, the group expects the new technology to alleviate several hazards and challenges in the port. This will empower Kramer’s workforce to move containers with heightened precision, efficiency, and safety. With the strategic location of Rotterdam as Europe’s largest port, this innovative project is expected to enhance the port’s reliability and competitiveness on the global stage.
Terberg will provide the high-end vehicle platform for the autonomous solution, while StreetDrone will leverage its cutting-edge technology stack to enable safe and efficient teleoperation and self-driving capabilities. Kramer will provide their expertise, offering their invaluable experience operating some of the busiest container terminals in Europe. Solid Port Solutions, a Rotterdam-based port consultancy firm, will support the management and delivery of the project.
Speaking about the collaboration, Andre Kramer, CEO of Kramer Group, commented “Kramer is constantly looking for innovative ways to better serve our customers. Technologies that enable us to handle the 900,000 container movements we complete each year, in a safer and more efficient way, will help us strengthen our position as the handler of choice for customers moving containers through the Port of Rotterdam”.
Mike Potts, CEO at StreetDrone, said “StreetDrone is thrilled to partner with Kramer and Terberg to bring the first autonomous yard trucks to the Port of Rotterdam. This project will demonstrate StreetDrone’s market-leading capability to deploy autonomous yard truck fleets across multiple locations for some of the most innovative companies in the global supply chain.”
Rob van Hove, CEO of Terberg Special Vehicles, added “Our project with StreetDrone and Kramer is demonstrative of the autonomous solutions Terberg can provide to customers. As a Netherlands-based company, we are excited to be the first to deploy autonomous yard trucks at our home port in Rotterdam.”
With the first vehicles already planned for production, the deployment of this groundbreaking technology is soon to set a new standard for safety, efficiency, and competitiveness at the Port of Rotterdam. The pilots will run at both locations until early 2025, after which the partners aim to scale operations rapidly, adding several additional autonomous yard trucks to the fleet.
About Kramer Group:
Kramer Group is a major depot, container terminal and service provider to customers moving containers through the Port of Rotterdam. With key locations in Waalhaven and at the Maasvlakte, the company manages 900,000 container movements through the Port of Rotterdam annually.
About StreetDrone:
StreetDrone is a leading provider of autonomous vehicle technologies for yard trucks. With a full stack of autonomous technology, StreetDrone offers connected autonomous yard truck fleets, fleet management solutions and market-leading automotive control systems. The Oxford, UK, based company is one of the key global players in bringing near-term autonomy to industrial fleets.
About Terberg Special Vehicles:
Terberg Special Vehicles is a Netherlands-based manufacturer of terminal tractors and other specialist industrial vehicles. As a manufacturer world-renowned for the quality and reliability of their vehicles, Terberg is focussed on providing innovative next generation vehicles to fleet operators globally.
For inquiries, please contact:
Kramer Group
Ted Holleman
t.holleman@kramergroup.nl
StreetDrone
Thomas Shelbourn
thomas.shelbourn@streetdrone.com
Terberg
Anton Vuijk
avuijk@terbergbenschop.nl
